Assessing Blood Supply in Tumors Using MRI and Micro-CT
Author Information
Author(s): Qi X.-L., Liu J., Burns P. N., Wright G. A.
Primary Institution: Imaging Research, Sunnybrook HSC, University of Toronto
Hypothesis
The study aims to evaluate the relationship between relative blood volume fraction (rBVF) and blood vessel density (rBVD) in VX2 tumors using MRI and micro-CT.
Conclusion
The study found that the relative blood volume in the tumor rim decreases as the tumor volume increases, indicating a relationship between tumor growth and vascular characteristics.
Supporting Evidence
- rBVF in the tumor's rim varied from 3.05 to 16.55% with an average of 10.38 ± 5.36%.
- The volume of the tumors ranged from 2.40 to 15.37 cm3 with an average volume of 8.98 ± 4.82 cm3.
- The rBVF in the rim measured by 2D MRI was significantly correlated with the rBVD across the tumor calculated from 3D MRI.
- The vessel density obtained by micro-CT yielded results similar to corresponding measurements by 3D MRI.
Takeaway
This study shows that as tumors grow bigger, they have less blood in the outer parts, which can help doctors understand how tumors behave and respond to treatments.
Methodology
The study used MRI and micro-CT to measure blood volume and density in VX2 tumors in rabbits, comparing results from both imaging techniques.
Limitations
The study's evaluation of rBVF and rBVD may be affected by the leakage of the contrast agent and the need for blood samples for concentration calculations.
Participant Demographics
Nine New Zealand white rabbits aged 4 to 4.5 kg were used in the study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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