Performing IVIM-DWI using the multifunctional nanosystem for the evaluation of the antitumor microcirculation changes

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Imaging
• Nanomedicine
• Oncology

Background:

• Monitoring tumor blood perfusion is crucial for assessing antitumor treatment efficacy.
• Intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging (IVIM-DWI) offers a non-invasive method to evaluate microcirculation.
• There is ongoing debate regarding the reliability of IVIM-DWI parameters, specifically pseudo-diffusion (D*) and fraction of pseudo-diffusion (f), for long-term efficacy monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the antitumor efficacy of a F/A-PLGA@DOX/SPIO nanosystem in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using IVIM-DWI.
• To investigate the utility of IVIM-DWI parameters, D* and f, for assessing therapeutic responses in NSCLC.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-six A549 tumor-bearing mice were randomized into three groups: saline control, DOX treatment, and F/A-PLGA@DOX/SPIO nanosystem treatment.
• IVIM-DWI scans were performed at baseline and at multiple time points (3, 14, 21, 28 days) post-treatment.
• D* and f values were calculated, and tumors underwent pathological examination including assessment of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and microvessel density (MVD).

Main Results:

• The D* value showed an increasing trend in all groups, with the most significant increase in the control group and the least in the nanosystem-treated group.
• The f value decreased over time, particularly within 7 days, with the most pronounced decline observed in the nanosystem-treated group.
• The nanosystem treatment significantly reduced VEGF-positive staining and MVD compared to control and DOX groups (P < 0.05). D* and f values were positively correlated with CD31 and VEGF levels.

Conclusions:

• IVIM-DWI-derived parameters D* and f are valuable indicators for evaluating microcirculatory changes during antitumor therapy.
• The F/A-PLGA@DOX/SPIO nanosystem demonstrates significant antitumor effects, evidenced by changes in tumor microcirculation parameters measured by IVIM-DWI.
• These findings support the use of D* and f as reliable biomarkers for monitoring the efficacy of novel nanotherapeutics in NSCLC.