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Microregional fluctuations in perfusion within human tumours detected using laser Doppler flowmetry
K H Pigott1, S A Hill, D J Chaplin
1Mount Vernon Centre for Cancer Treatment, Mount Vernon Hospital and Tumour Microcirculation Group, Gray Laboratory, Middlesex, UK.
Summary
Microregional blood flow fluctuations are common in human tumors, with over half showing significant changes. Some of these perfusion changes were transient, suggesting intermittent acute hypoxia in tumor cells.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
- Physiology
Background:
- Previous studies in experimental tumor models indicated transient fluctuations in erythrocyte flux, suggesting perfusion-driven hypoxia.
- These fluctuations were linked to potential perfusion-driven hypoxia, a critical factor in tumor progression and treatment resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if transient microregional blood flow changes, indicative of perfusion-driven hypoxia, are a common occurrence in human tumors.
- Investigate the frequency and characteristics of microregional perfusion fluctuations in various human tumor types.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a multi-channel laser Doppler system to monitor microregional blood flow changes in human tumors.
- Inserted custom-designed microprobes (300 microns diameter) into eight human tumors (breast, skin, lymph nodes) to measure perfusion over 60 minutes.
Main Results:
- Significant changes (≥1.5 fold) in microregional blood flow were observed in 54% of monitored tumor regions.
- Approximately 19% of these blood flow changes were reversed within 4-44 minutes, indicating dynamic perfusion alterations.
Conclusions:
- Microregional fluctuations in tumor perfusion are a frequent phenomenon in human tumors.
- The reversal of perfusion changes suggests that a subset of tumor cells experience transient acute hypoxia, impacting tumor biology and treatment response.