Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026
Multianimal Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Tumor Measurements in Pancreatic Cancer Mouse Models
Published on: February 3, 2026
Evaluation of therapeutic response to gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer
Yoichiro Suetomi1, Masayuki Kitano, Masatoshi Kudo
1Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kinki University School of Medicine, 377-2, Ohno-Higashi, Osaka-Sayama, 589-8511, Japan.
Background/Aims:
Due to the development of contrast-enhanced harmonic imaging, ultrasound can reveal more precise hemodynamic information than conventional angiography. In this study, the value of contrast-enhanced harmonic imaging was studied in the evaluation of response in treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Methodology:
Thirteen pancreatic cancer patients treated with gemcitabine were enrolled in this study. Contrast-enhanced harmonic ultrasonography was performed to evaluate the treatment response during every period of treatment. After intravenously injecting the contrast agent, pancreatic tumors were observed in a real-time and subsequently in an intermittent fashion. Findings obtained by contrast-enhanced harmonic imaging were compared with dynamic CT findings and serum tumor marker levels.
Results:
Tumor markers were reduced by at least 50% in 6 patients. We could not evaluate tumor size reduction rates on the B-mode US because the tumor margin was unclear. On the other hand, the hypovascular area was clearly depicted on the perfusion image of contrast-enhanced harmonic imaging in all patients throughout the observation period, and changes in tumor size could be easily evaluated. The tumor size reduction rates in these 6 cases were 13.1 +/- 5.5% by dynamic CT and 21.1 +/- 14.1% by contrast-enhanced harmonic imaging.
Conclusions:
Contrast-enhanced harmonic imaging is useful for evaluating treatment response for pancreatic cancer.
