The effective magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) transverse relaxation rate R(2)* was investigated as an early acute marker of the response of rat GH3
prolactinomas to the vascular-targeting agent,
ZD6126. Multigradient echo (MGRE) MRI was used to quantify R(2)*, which is sensitive to tissue
deoxyhemoglobin levels.
Tumor R(2)* was measured prior to, and either immediately for up to 35 minutes, or 24 hours following administration of 50 mg/kg
ZD6126. Following MRI,
tumor perfusion was assessed by
Hoechst 33342 uptake.
Tumor R(2)* significantly increased to 116 +/- 4% of baseline 35 minutes after challenge, consistent with an ischemic insult induced by vascular collapse. A strong positive correlation between baseline R(2)* and the subsequent increase in R(2)* measured 35 minutes
after treatment was obtained, suggesting that the baseline R(2)* is prognostic for the subsequent
tumor response to
ZD6126. In contrast, a significant decrease in
tumor R(2)* was found 24 hours after administration of
ZD6126. Both the 35-minute and 24-hour R(2)* responses to
ZD6126 were associated with a decrease in
Hoechst 33342 uptake. Interpretation of the R(2)* response is complex, yet changes in
tumor R(2)* may provide a convenient and early MRI
biomarker for detecting the antitumor activity of vascular-targeting agents.