Visualization of rodent brain tumor angiogenesis and effects of antiangiogenic treatment using 3D ΔR2-μMRA

Understanding of structural and functional characteristics of the vascular microenvironment in gliomas and the impact of antiangiogenic treatments is essential for developing better therapeutic strategies. Although a number of methods exist in which this process can be studied experimentally, no single noninvasive test has the capacity to provide information concerning both microvascular function and morphology. The purpose of present study is to demonstrate the feasibility of using a novel three-dimensional ΔR2-based microscopic magnetic resonance angiography (3D ΔR2-μMRA) technique for longitudinal imaging of tumor angiogenesis and monitoring the effects of antiangiogenic treatment in rodent brain tumor models. Using 3D ΔR2-μMRA, a generally consistent early pattern of vascular development in gliomas was revealed, in which a single feeding vessel was visualized first (arteriogenesis), followed by sprouting angiogenesis. Considerable variability of the tumor-associated vasculature was then noted at later stages of tumor evolution. ΔR2-μMRA revealed that anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment induced a rapid and significant alteration of the intratumoral angiogenic phenotype. In summary, 3D ΔR2-μMRA enables high-resolution visualization of tumor-associated vessels while simultaneously providing functional information on the tumor microvasculature. It can serve as a useful tool for monitoring both the temporal evolution of tumor angiogenesis and the impact of antiangiogenic therapies.