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Updated: Mar 9, 2026
Dynamic Contrast Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging of an Orthotopic Pancreatic Cancer Mouse Model
Published on: April 18, 2015
Characterization of a rat orthotopic pancreatic head tumor model using three-dimensional and quantitative
Ting Yin1, Ronald Peeters1, Yuanbo Feng1
1Department of Imaging and Pathology, Biomedical Sciences Group, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the reliability of 3D isotropic MRI and quantitative multi-parametric MRI characterization on an orthotopic pancreatic head tumor model in rats. 3D isotropic T2 -weighted MRI was performed as a routine for tumor longitudinal follow-up and volume estimation. Common bile duct diameter was measured from 3D multiplanar reconstruction. Quantitative multi-parametric measurements including pixel-wise T2 , T1 relaxivity, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and apparent diffusion kurtosis mapping were performed twice throughout tumor growth. Semi-quantitative and quantitative analyses based on an extended Tofts model were applied to region-of-interest-based dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging, followed by contrast ratio measurement on standard contrast-enhanced imaging. Moreover, low-level texture-based analysis was inspected for T2 , T1 , ADC and contrast ratio measurements. Results indicated that multi-parametric MRI showed good reproducibility for tumor characterization; the measurements were not affected by tumor growth. Tumor growth was further confirmed with histology examinations. To conclude, state-of-the-art clinical MRI techniques were translated to this preclinical tumor model with high reliability, and have paved the way for translational oncology studies on this tumor model.
Insights
This study demonstrates the high reliability of advanced MRI techniques for characterizing pancreatic tumors in rats. These quantitative multi-parametric MRI methods are reproducible and unaffected by tumor growth, aiding preclinical research.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Imaging
- Oncology Research
- Preclinical Models
Background:
- Pancreatic cancer presents diagnostic challenges, necessitating reliable preclinical models for research.
- Advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques offer potential for non-invasive tumor characterization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the reliability of 3D isotropic MRI and quantitative multi-parametric MRI for characterizing an orthotopic pancreatic head tumor model in rats.
- To evaluate the reproducibility of these MRI techniques throughout tumor growth.
Main Methods:
- 3D isotropic T2-weighted MRI for tumor follow-up and volume estimation.
- Quantitative multi-parametric MRI including T2, T1 relaxivity, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and kurtosis mapping.
- Dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) imaging with pharmacokinetic modeling and contrast ratio measurements.
- Texture analysis applied to various MRI parameters.
Main Results:
- Multi-parametric MRI demonstrated good reproducibility for tumor characterization.
- MRI measurements remained stable and were not significantly affected by tumor growth.
- Histology confirmed tumor growth, validating MRI findings.
Conclusions:
- State-of-the-art clinical MRI techniques were successfully translated to a preclinical pancreatic tumor model with high reliability.
- These validated MRI methods provide a robust platform for translational oncology studies using this model.
