Macromolecule content influences proton diffusibility in gliomas
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Updated: May 31, 2026
Digital Spatial Profiling for Characterization of the Microenvironment in Adult-Type Diffusely Infiltrating Glioma
Published on: September 13, 2022
Einar Goebell1, Jens Fiehler, Susanne Siemonsen
1Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany. e.goebell@uke.de
Objectives:
Different compositions of the extra cellular matrix with changing concentrations of more or less hydrophilic components like proteins may have a major influence on the diffusion phenomena found in gliomas.
Methods:
24 patients (14 male / 10 female) with histologically confirmed non necrotic glioma underwent preoperative MRI, including magnetisation transfer (MTR), triple echo T2 weighted (T2W) and diffusion weighted (DWI) sequences. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), quantitative T2 and MTR maps were calculated and regions of interest (ROIs) were placed in the tumour centre (TU) and in the contralateral hemisphere (NWM). Informed consent was obtained. The study was approved by the local ethic comity.
Results:
Mean values evaluated in the NWM / TU were (± standard deviation); ADC: 0.78 (±0.08) × 10-3 mm2/s / 1.32 (±0.27) × 10-3 mm2/s, T2: 101.66 (±12.00) ms / 252.11 (±104.53) ms, MTR: 0.52 (±0.01) / 0.40 (±0.04). The mean value of each parameter correlated highly significant with the others (p < 0.01).
Conclusion:
Our results suggest that macromolecules binding protons in their vicinity are a major determinant of proton diffusivity in brain tumours in addition to other factors such as mechanical barriers like membranes or the size of the extra-cellular space.
