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Tumor pH Imaging Using Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST)-MRI.
Dario Livio Longo1, Elisa Pirotta2, Riccardo Gambino3
1Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), Italian National Research Council (CNR), Torino, Italy. dariolivio.longo@cnr.it.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|December 31, 2022
Summary
This study details a method for measuring tumor acidity using MRI-CEST pH imaging with iopamidol in mice. This technique offers high-resolution mapping of extracellular tumor pH, aiding in assessing tumor aggressiveness and treatment response.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) enables noninvasive physiological and functional studies of the tumor microenvironment.
- Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST) MRI is an emerging technique for assessing extracellular acidosis, a key feature of solid tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the setup and methodology for measuring tumor extracellular pH in mouse models using MRI-CEST pH imaging.
- To demonstrate the potential of iopamidol-based imaging for accurate, high-resolution tumor pH mapping.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a preclinical MRI scanner for Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST) pH imaging.
- Administered iopamidol as a pH-responsive contrast agent in mouse tumor models.
- Detailed procedures for pH calibration, animal handling, contrast agent injection, acquisition protocols, and image processing.
Main Results:
- Established a comprehensive protocol for MRI-CEST pH imaging of tumors in mice.
- Demonstrated the capability to generate accurate and high-spatial-resolution extracellular tumor pH maps.
- Highlighted the utility of iopamidol for visualizing tumor acidosis.
Conclusions:
- MRI-CEST pH imaging with iopamidol is a viable method for assessing tumor extracellular pH in preclinical models.
- This technique has significant potential for clinical translation in evaluating tumor aggressiveness and therapy response.
