Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI using macromolecular contrast media for monitoring the response to isolated limb perfusion in experimental soft-tissue sarcomas.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI for quantitative characterization of tumor microvessels and to assess the microvascular changes in response to isolated limb perfusion with TNF-alpha and melphalan. Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI was performed in an experimental cancer model, using a macromolecular contrast medium, albumin-(Gd-DTPA)45. Small fragments of BN 175, a soft-tissue sarcoma, were implanted in 11 brown Norway (BN) rats. Animals were assigned randomly to a control (Haemaccel) or drug-treated group (TNF-alpha/melphalan). MRI was performed at baseline and 24 h after ILP. The transendothelial permeability (K(PS)) and the fractional plasma volume (fPV) were estimated from the kinetic analysis of MR data using a two-compartment bi-directional model. K(PS) and fPV decreased significantly in the drug-treated group compared to baseline (p<0.05). In addition, K(PS) post therapy was significantly lower (p<0.05) in the drug-treated group than in the control group. There was no significant difference in fPV between the drug-treated and the control group after therapy. Tumor microvascular changes in response to isolated limb perfusion can be determined after 24 h by dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI. The data obtained in this experimental model suggest possible applications in the clinical setting, using the appropriate MR contrast agents.

• Authors: A Preda, P A Wielopolski, T L M Ten Hagen, M van Vliet, J F Veenland, G Ambagtsheer, S T van Tiel, M W Vogel, A M M Eggermont, G P Krestin, C F van Dijke
• Journal: Magma (New York, N.Y.) (MAGMA) Vol. 17 Issue 3-6 Pg. 296-302 (Dec 2004) ISSN: 0968-5243 [Print] Germany
• PMID: 15480945 (Publication Type: Evaluation Study, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Albumins
• Contrast Media
• Macromolecular Substances
• Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
• albumin-(gadolinium-DTPA)
• Gadolinium DTPA
• Melphalan

Topics

• Albumins
• Animals
• Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols (administration & dosage)
• Chemotherapy, Cancer, Regional Perfusion (methods)
• Contrast Media
• Extremities (blood supply)
• Gadolinium DTPA
• Image Enhancement (methods)
• Macromolecular Substances
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (methods)
• Male
• Melphalan (administration & dosage)
• Prognosis
• Rats
• Rats, Inbred BN
• Sarcoma, Experimental (diagnosis, drug therapy)
• Treatment Outcome
• Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (administration & dosage)