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Double Diffusion Encoding for Probing Radiation-Induced Microstructural Changes in a Tumor Model: A Proof-of-Concept
Gaëtan Duchêne1, Jorge Abarca-Quinones1,2, Natacha Feza-Bingi1,3
1Department of medical imaging, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.
Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging : JMRI
|March 10, 2020
Summary
Double diffusion encoding (DDE) MRI parameters quantitatively monitor tumor microstructure changes after radiotherapy, offering more detail than apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) imaging.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiotherapy
- Medical Imaging
- Biophysics
Background:
- Microstructure analysis in cancer MRI is emerging as a valuable alternative to apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements.
- The precise determinants of ADC in tumors are not fully understood, necessitating advanced imaging techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the sensitivity of double diffusion encoding (DDE) derived parameters to early microstructural changes in tumors post-radiotherapy.
- To compare the efficacy of DDE parameters with conventional ADC and histological findings.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study involving experimental tumors (rhabdomyosarcoma in WAG/Rij rats) was conducted.
- Diffusion-weighted imaging using DDE sequences (flow compensated and noncompensated) was performed at 3T.
- DDE parameters (intracellular fraction, cell size, cell density) were compared with histological data and ADC changes.
Main Results:
- DDE parameters showed significant changes post-irradiation, correlating with histological findings (e.g., decreased intracellular fraction, increased cell size, decreased cell density).
- The percentage changes in DDE parameters, particularly intracellular fraction and cell density, were more pronounced than ADC changes.
- DDE also revealed changes in perfusion, with a decrease in vascular fraction exceeding the increase in flow velocity.
Conclusions:
- The DDE sequence provides quantitative insights into radiotherapy-induced tumor microstructure alterations.
- DDE offers a more detailed assessment of tumor response compared to ADC, which reflects only global changes.
