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Liu L, O’Kelly D, Schuetze R, Carlson G, Zhou H, Trawick ML, Pinney KG, Mason RP. Non-Invasive Evaluation of Acute Effects of Tubulin Binding Agents: A Review of Imaging Vascular Disruption in Tumors. Molecules 2021; 26:2551. [PMID: 33925707 PMCID: PMC8125421 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26092551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor vasculature proliferates rapidly, generally lacks pericyte coverage, and is uniquely fragile making it an attractive therapeutic target. A subset of small-molecule tubulin binding agents cause disaggregation of the endothelial cytoskeleton leading to enhanced vascular permeability generating increased interstitial pressure. The resulting vascular collapse and ischemia cause downstream hypoxia, ultimately leading to cell death and necrosis. Thus, local damage generates massive amplification and tumor destruction. The tumor vasculature is readily accessed and potentially a common target irrespective of disease site in the body. Development of a therapeutic approach and particularly next generation agents benefits from effective non-invasive assays. Imaging technologies offer varying degrees of sophistication and ease of implementation. This review considers technological strengths and weaknesses with examples from our own laboratory. Methods reveal vascular extent and patency, as well as insights into tissue viability, proliferation and necrosis. Spatiotemporal resolution ranges from cellular microscopy to single slice tomography and full three-dimensional views of whole tumors and measurements can be sufficiently rapid to reveal acute changes or long-term outcomes. Since imaging is non-invasive, each tumor may serve as its own control making investigations particularly efficient and rigorous. The concept of tumor vascular disruption was proposed over 30 years ago and it remains an active area of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Liu
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; (L.L.); (D.O.); (R.S.); (H.Z.)
| | - Devin O’Kelly
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; (L.L.); (D.O.); (R.S.); (H.Z.)
| | - Regan Schuetze
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; (L.L.); (D.O.); (R.S.); (H.Z.)
| | - Graham Carlson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA; (G.C.); (M.L.T.); (K.G.P.)
| | - Heling Zhou
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; (L.L.); (D.O.); (R.S.); (H.Z.)
| | - Mary Lynn Trawick
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA; (G.C.); (M.L.T.); (K.G.P.)
| | - Kevin G. Pinney
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA; (G.C.); (M.L.T.); (K.G.P.)
| | - Ralph P. Mason
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; (L.L.); (D.O.); (R.S.); (H.Z.)
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2
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Rodriguez-Pascual J, Cubillo A. Dynamic Biomarkers of Response to Antiangiogenic Therapies in Colorectal Cancer: A Review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 15:81-85. [PMID: 29657584 PMCID: PMC5872368 DOI: 10.2174/1875692115666170815161754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Revised: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background: Identification of clinical and molecular biomarkers to predict dynamic response or monitor in real-time the efficacy of antiangiogenic therapy represents a major point in the treatment of patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Several stu-dies have been conduced to identify some predictive biomarkers to select patients who will benefit from bevacizumab, the most widely used antiangiogenic monoclonal anti-body. Conclusion: After a decade since the introduction of bevacizumab, no effective predictive biomarkers are available in routine clinical practice. In this review, we summarized the potential candidate dynamic biomarkers that may play a role in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonio Cubillo
- Centro Integral Oncológico Clara Campal (CIOCC), Madrid, Spain
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3
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Robinson SP, Boult JKR, Vasudev NS, Reynolds AR. Monitoring the Vascular Response and Resistance to Sunitinib in Renal Cell Carcinoma In Vivo with Susceptibility Contrast MRI. Cancer Res 2017; 77:4127-4134. [PMID: 28566330 PMCID: PMC6175052 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-17-0248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Revised: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Antiangiogenic therapy is efficacious in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). However, the ability of antiangiogenic drugs to delay tumor progression and extend survival is limited, due to either innate or acquired drug resistance. Furthermore, there are currently no validated biomarkers that predict which mRCC patients will benefit from antiangiogenic therapy. Here, we exploit susceptibility contrast MRI (SC-MRI) using intravascular ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide particles to quantify and evaluate tumor fractional blood volume (fBV) as a noninvasive imaging biomarker of response to the antiangiogenic drug sunitinib. We also interrogate the vascular phenotype of RCC xenografts exhibiting acquired resistance to sunitinib. SC-MRI of 786-0 xenografts prior to and 2 weeks after daily treatment with 40 mg/kg sunitinib revealed a 71% (P < 0.01) reduction in fBV in the absence of any change in tumor volume. This response was associated with significantly lower microvessel density (P < 0.01) and lower uptake of the perfusion marker Hoechst 33342 (P < 0.05). The average pretreatment tumor fBV was negatively correlated (R2 = 0.92, P < 0.0001) with sunitinib-induced changes in tumor fBV across the cohort. SC-MRI also revealed suppressed fBV in tumors that acquired resistance to sunitinib. In conclusion, SC-MRI enabled monitoring of the antiangiogenic response of 786-0 RCC xenografts to sunitinib, which revealed that pretreatment tumor fBV was found to be a predictive biomarker of subsequent reduction in tumor blood volume in response to sunitinib, and acquired resistance to sunitinib was not associated with a parallel increase in tumor blood volume. Cancer Res; 77(15); 4127-34. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon P Robinson
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Imaging Centre, Division of Radiotherapy & Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Jessica K R Boult
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Imaging Centre, Division of Radiotherapy & Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Naveen S Vasudev
- Tumour Biology Team, The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew R Reynolds
- Tumour Biology Team, The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Early Clinical Development, Innovative Medicines and Early Development, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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4
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Boult JKR, Borri M, Jury A, Popov S, Box G, Perryman L, Eccles SA, Jones C, Robinson SP. Investigating intracranial tumour growth patterns with multiparametric MRI incorporating Gd-DTPA and USPIO-enhanced imaging. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2016; 29:1608-1617. [PMID: 27671990 PMCID: PMC5082561 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.3594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Revised: 07/06/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
High grade and metastatic brain tumours exhibit considerable spatial variations in proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, necrosis and oedema. Vascular heterogeneity arising from vascular co-option in regions of invasive growth (in which the blood-brain barrier remains intact) and neoangiogenesis is a major challenge faced in the assessment of brain tumours by conventional MRI. A multiparametric MRI approach, incorporating native measurements and both Gd-DTPA (Magnevist) and ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (P904)-enhanced imaging, was used in combination with histogram and unsupervised cluster analysis using a k-means algorithm to examine the spatial distribution of vascular parameters, water diffusion characteristics and invasion in intracranially propagated rat RG2 gliomas and human MDA-MB-231 LM2-4 breast adenocarcinomas in mice. Both tumour models presented with higher ΔR1 (the change in transverse relaxation rate R1 induced by Gd-DTPA), fractional blood volume (fBV) and apparent diffusion coefficient than uninvolved regions of the brain. MDA-MB-231 LM2-4 tumours were less densely cellular than RG2 tumours and exhibited substantial local invasion, associated with oedema, whereas invasion in RG2 tumours was minimal. These additional features were reflected in the more heterogeneous appearance of MDA-MB-231 LM2-4 tumours on T2 -weighted images and maps of functional MRI parameters. Unsupervised cluster analysis separated subregions with distinct functional properties; areas with a low fBV and relatively impermeable blood vessels (low ΔR1 ) were predominantly located at the tumour margins, regions of MDA-MB-231 LM2-4 tumours with relatively high levels of water diffusion and low vascular permeability and/or fBV corresponded to histologically identified regions of invasion and oedema, and areas of mismatch between vascular permeability and blood volume were identified. We demonstrate that dual contrast MRI and evaluation of tissue diffusion properties, coupled with cluster analysis, allows for the assessment of heterogeneity within invasive brain tumours and the designation of functionally diverse subregions that may provide more informative predictive biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica K R Boult
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK.
| | - Marco Borri
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, Surrey, UK
| | - Alexa Jury
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Sergey Popov
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Gary Box
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Lara Perryman
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Suzanne A Eccles
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Chris Jones
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Simon P Robinson
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
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5
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Burrell JS, Walker-Samuel S, Boult JK, Baker LC, Jamin Y, Halliday J, Waterton JC, Robinson SP. Investigating the Vascular Phenotype of Subcutaneously and Orthotopically Propagated PC3 Prostate Cancer Xenografts Using Combined Carbogen Ultrasmall Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide MRI. Top Magn Reson Imaging 2016; 25:237-243. [PMID: 27748709 PMCID: PMC5068556 DOI: 10.1097/rmr.0000000000000102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to use the combined carbogen-ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (CUSPIO) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method, which uses spatial correlations in independent susceptibility imaging biomarkers, to investigate and compare the impact of tumor size and anatomical site on vascular structure and function in vivo. Mice bearing either subcutaneous or orthotopic PC3 LN3 prostate tumors were imaged at 7 T, using a multi-gradient echo sequence to quantify R2, before and during carbogen (95% O2/5% CO2) breathing, and subsequently following intravenous administration of USPIO particles. Carbogen and USPIO-induced changes in R2 were used to inform on hemodynamic vasculature and fractional blood volume (%), respectively. The CUSPIO imaging data were also segmented to identify and assess five categories of R2 response. Small and large subcutaneous and orthotopic tumor cohorts all exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) different median baseline R2, ΔR2carbogen, and fractional blood volume. CUSPIO imaging showed that small subcutaneous tumors predominantly exhibited a negative ΔR2carbogen followed by a positive ΔR2USPIO, consistent with a well perfused tumor vasculature. Large subcutaneous tumors exhibited a small positive ΔR2carbogen and relatively low fractional blood volume, suggesting less functional vasculature. Orthotopic tumors revealed a large, positive ΔR2carbogen, consistent with vascular steal, and which may indicate that vascular function is more dependent on site of implantation than tumor size. Regions exhibiting significant ΔR2carbogen, but no significant ΔR2USPIO, suggesting transient vascular shutdown over the experimental timecourse, were apparent in all 3 cohorts. CUSPIO imaging can inform on efficient drug delivery via functional vasculature in vivo, and on appropriate tumor model selection for pre-clinical therapy trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake S. Burrell
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Imaging Centre, Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research, Surrey
| | - Simon Walker-Samuel
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Imaging Centre, Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research, Surrey
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, Department of Medicine and Institute of Child Health, University College London, London
| | - Jessica K.R. Boult
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Imaging Centre, Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research, Surrey
| | - Lauren C.J. Baker
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Imaging Centre, Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research, Surrey
| | - Yann Jamin
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Imaging Centre, Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research, Surrey
| | - Jane Halliday
- R&D Personalised Healthcare & Biomarkers, AstraZeneca, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, UK
| | - John C. Waterton
- R&D Personalised Healthcare & Biomarkers, AstraZeneca, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, UK
| | - Simon P. Robinson
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Imaging Centre, Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research, Surrey
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6
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Cidon EU, Alonso P, Masters B. Markers of Response to Antiangiogenic Therapies in Colorectal Cancer: Where Are We Now and What Should Be Next? CLINICAL MEDICINE INSIGHTS-ONCOLOGY 2016; 10:41-55. [PMID: 27147901 PMCID: PMC4849423 DOI: 10.4137/cmo.s34542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Revised: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Despite advances in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC), it remains the second most common cause of cancer-related death in the Western world. Angiogenesis is a complex process that involves the formation of new blood vessels from preexisting vessels. It is essential for promoting cancer survival, growth, and dissemination. The inhibition of angiogenesis has been shown to prevent tumor progression experimentally, and several chemotherapeutic targets of tumor angiogenesis have been identified. These include anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatments, such as bevacizumab (a VEGF-specific binding antibody) and anti-VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors, although antiangiogenic therapy has been shown to be effective in the treatment of several cancers, including CRC. However, it is also associated with its own side effects and financial costs. Therefore, the identification of biomarkers that are able to identify patients who are more likely to benefit from antiangiogenic treatment is very important. This article intends to be a concise summary of the potential biomarkers that can predict or prognosticate the benefit of antiangiogenic treatments in CRC, and also what we can expect in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Una Cidon
- Department of Medical Oncology, Royal Bournemouth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Bournemouth, UK
| | - P Alonso
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Clinical University Hospital, Valladolid, Spain
| | - B Masters
- Department of Oncology, Nottingham City Hospital, Nottingham, UK
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7
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Winfield JM, Payne GS, deSouza NM. Functional MRI and CT biomarkers in oncology. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2015; 42:562-78. [PMID: 25578953 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-014-2979-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Imaging biomarkers derived from MRI or CT describe functional properties of tumours and normal tissues. They are finding increasing numbers of applications in diagnosis, monitoring of response to treatment and assessment of progression or recurrence. Imaging biomarkers also provide scope for assessment of heterogeneity within and between lesions. A wide variety of functional parameters have been investigated for use as biomarkers in oncology. Some imaging techniques are used routinely in clinical applications while others are currently restricted to clinical trials or preclinical studies. Apparent diffusion coefficient, magnetization transfer ratio and native T1 relaxation time provide information about structure and organization of tissues. Vascular properties may be described using parameters derived from dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI, dynamic contrast-enhanced CT, transverse relaxation rate (R2*), vessel size index and relative blood volume, while magnetic resonance spectroscopy may be used to probe the metabolic profile of tumours. This review describes the mechanisms of contrast underpinning each technique and the technical requirements for robust and reproducible imaging. The current status of each biomarker is described in terms of its validation, qualification and clinical applications, followed by a discussion of the current limitations and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Winfield
- CRUK Imaging Centre at the Institute of Cancer Research, Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, UK,
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8
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Kim E, Lee E, Plummer C, Gil S, Popel AS, Pathak AP. Vasculature-specific MRI reveals differential anti-angiogenic effects of a biomimetic peptide in an orthotopic breast cancer model. Angiogenesis 2015; 18:125-36. [PMID: 25408417 PMCID: PMC4366284 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-014-9450-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2014] [Accepted: 11/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Translational vasculature-specific MRI biomarkers were used to measure the effects of a novel anti-angiogenic biomimetic peptide in an orthotopic MDA-MB-231 human triple-negative breast cancer model at an early growth stage. In vivo diffusion-weighted and steady-state susceptibility contrast (SSC) MRI was performed pre-treatment and 2 weeks post-treatment in tumor volume-matched treatment and control groups (n = 5/group). Treatment response was measured by changes in tumor volume; baseline transverse relaxation time (T2); apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC); and SSC-MRI metrics of blood volume, vessel size, and vessel density. These vasculature-specific SSC-MRI biomarkers were compared to the more conventional, non-vascular biomarkers (tumor growth, ADC, and T2) in terms of their sensitivity to anti-angiogenic treatment response. After 2 weeks of peptide treatment, tumor growth inhibition was evident but not yet significant, and the changes in ADC or T2 were not significantly different between treated and control groups. In contrast, the vascular MRI biomarkers revealed a significant anti-angiogenic response to the peptide after 2 weeks—blood volume and vessel size decreased, and vessel density increased in treated tumors; the opposite was seen in control tumors. The MRI results were validated with histology—H&E staining showed no difference in tumor viability between groups, while peptide-treated tumors exhibited decreased vascularity. These results indicate that translational SSC-MRI biomarkers are able to detect the differential effects of anti-angiogenic therapy on the tumor vasculature before significant tumor growth inhibition or changes in tumor viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Esak Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Charlesa Plummer
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Stacy Gil
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Aleksander S. Popel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Ave, 217 Traylor Bldg., Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Arvind P. Pathak
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Ave, 217 Traylor Bldg., Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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9
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Emblem KE, Farrar CT, Gerstner ER, Batchelor TT, Borra RJH, Rosen BR, Sorensen AG, Jain RK. Vessel caliber--a potential MRI biomarker of tumour response in clinical trials. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2014; 11:566-84. [PMID: 25113840 PMCID: PMC4445139 DOI: 10.1038/nrclinonc.2014.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Our understanding of the importance of blood vessels and angiogenesis in cancer has increased considerably over the past decades, and the assessment of tumour vessel calibre and structure has become increasingly important for in vivo monitoring of therapeutic response. The preferred method for in vivo imaging of most solid cancers is MRI, and the concept of vessel-calibre MRI has evolved since its initial inception in the early 1990s. Almost a quarter of a century later, unlike traditional contrast-enhanced MRI techniques, vessel-calibre MRI remains widely inaccessible to the general clinical community. The narrow availability of the technique is, in part, attributable to limited awareness and a lack of imaging standardization. Thus, the role of vessel-calibre MRI in early phase clinical trials remains to be determined. By contrast, regulatory approvals of antiangiogenic agents that are not directly cytotoxic have created an urgent need for clinical trials incorporating advanced imaging analyses, going beyond traditional assessments of tumour volume. To this end, we review the field of vessel-calibre MRI and summarize the emerging evidence supporting the use of this technique to monitor response to anticancer therapy. We also discuss the potential use of this biomarker assessment in clinical imaging trials and highlight relevant avenues for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyrre E Emblem
- The Intervention Centre, Oslo University Hospital, Sognsvannsveien 20, 0372 Oslo, Norway
| | - Christian T Farrar
- Department of Radiology and Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Elizabeth R Gerstner
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 100 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Tracy T Batchelor
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 100 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Ronald J H Borra
- Department of Radiology and Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Bruce R Rosen
- Department of Radiology and Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - A Gregory Sorensen
- Siemens Healthcare Health Services, 51 Valley Stream Parkway, Malvern, PA 19355, USA
| | - Rakesh K Jain
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 100 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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10
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Troprès I, Pannetier N, Grand S, Lemasson B, Moisan A, Péoc'h M, Rémy C, Barbier EL. Imaging the microvessel caliber and density: Principles and applications of microvascular MRI. Magn Reson Med 2014; 73:325-41. [DOI: 10.1002/mrm.25396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2014] [Revised: 07/08/2014] [Accepted: 07/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Irène Troprès
- IRMaGe; Université Grenoble Alpes; Grenoble France
- UMS 3552; CNRS; Grenoble France
- US 017; INSERM; Grenoble France
- IRMaGe, Hôpital Michallon; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble; Grenoble France
- Université Joseph Fourier; Grenoble Institut des Neurosciences; Grenoble France. INSERM; U836 Grenoble France
| | - Nicolas Pannetier
- Université Joseph Fourier; Grenoble Institut des Neurosciences; Grenoble France
- INSERM; U836 Grenoble France
| | - Sylvie Grand
- Université Joseph Fourier; Grenoble Institut des Neurosciences; Grenoble France
- INSERM; U836 Grenoble France
- CLUNI, Hôpital Michallon; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble; Grenoble France
| | - Benjamin Lemasson
- Université Joseph Fourier; Grenoble Institut des Neurosciences; Grenoble France
- INSERM; U836 Grenoble France
| | - Anaïck Moisan
- Université Joseph Fourier; Grenoble Institut des Neurosciences; Grenoble France
- INSERM; U836 Grenoble France
| | - Michel Péoc'h
- Service d'anatomo-pathologie; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint Etienne; Saint-Etienne France
- EA 2521; Université Jean Monnet; Saint-Etienne France
| | - Chantal Rémy
- Université Joseph Fourier; Grenoble Institut des Neurosciences; Grenoble France
- INSERM; U836 Grenoble France
| | - Emmanuel L. Barbier
- Université Joseph Fourier; Grenoble Institut des Neurosciences; Grenoble France
- INSERM; U836 Grenoble France
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11
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Walker-Samuel S, Ramasawmy R, Torrealdea F, Rega M, Rajkumar V, Johnson SP, Richardson S, Gonçalves M, Parkes HG, Arstad E, Thomas DL, Pedley RB, Lythgoe MF, Golay X. In vivo imaging of glucose uptake and metabolism in tumors. Nat Med 2013; 19:1067-72. [PMID: 23832090 PMCID: PMC5275770 DOI: 10.1038/nm.3252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 368] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2012] [Accepted: 10/26/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Tumors have a greater reliance on anaerobic glycolysis for energy production than normal tissues. We developed a noninvasive method for imaging glucose uptake in vivo that is based on magnetic resonance imaging and allows the uptake of unlabeled glucose to be measured through the chemical exchange of protons between hydroxyl groups and water. This method differs from existing molecular imaging methods because it permits detection of the delivery and uptake of a metabolically active compound in physiological quantities. We show that our technique, named glucose chemical exchange saturation transfer (glucoCEST), is sensitive to tumor glucose accumulation in colorectal tumor models and can distinguish tumor types with differing metabolic characteristics and pathophysiologies. The results of this study suggest that glucoCEST has potential as a useful and cost-effective method for characterizing disease and assessing response to therapy in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Walker-Samuel
- University College London Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, Division of Medicine and Institute of Child Health, London, UK.
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12
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Boult JKR, Terkelsen J, Walker-Samuel S, Bradley DP, Robinson SP. A multi-parametric imaging investigation of the response of C6 glioma xenografts to MLN0518 (tandutinib) treatment. PLoS One 2013; 8:e63024. [PMID: 23638177 PMCID: PMC3637165 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0063024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2013] [Accepted: 03/27/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis, the development of new blood vessels, is essential for tumour growth; this process is stimulated by the secretion of numerous growth factors including platelet derived growth factor (PDGF). PDGF signalling, through its receptor platelet derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR), is involved in vessel maturation, stimulation of angiogenesis and upregulation of other angiogenic factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). PDGFR is a promising target for anti-cancer therapy because it is expressed on both tumour cells and stromal cells associated with the vasculature. MLN0518 (tandutinib) is a potent inhibitor of type III receptor tyrosine kinases that demonstrates activity against PDGFRα/β, FLT3 and c-KIT. In this study a multi-parametric MRI and histopathological approach was used to interrogate changes in vascular haemodynamics, structural response and hypoxia in C6 glioma xenografts in response to treatment with MLN0518. The doubling time of tumours in mice treated with MLN0518 was significantly longer than tumours in vehicle treated mice. The perfused vessel area, number of alpha smooth muscle actin positive vessels and hypoxic area in MLN0518 treated tumours were also significantly lower after 10 days treatment. These changes were not accompanied by alterations in vessel calibre or fractional blood volume as assessed using susceptibility contrast MRI. Histological assessment of vessel size and total perfused area did not demonstrate any change with treatment. Intrinsic susceptibility MRI did not reveal any difference in baseline R2* or carbogen-induced change in R2*. Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI revealed anti-vascular effects of MLN0518 following 3 days treatment. Hypoxia confers chemo- and radio-resistance, and alongside PDGF, is implicated in evasive resistance to agents targeted against VEGF signalling. PDGFR antagonists may improve potency and efficacy of other therapeutics in combination. This study highlights the challenges of identifying appropriate quantitative imaging response biomarkers in heterogeneous models, particularly considering the multifaceted roles of angiogenic growth factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica K R Boult
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden NHS Trust, Sutton, Surrey, United Kingdom.
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13
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Ehling J, Lammers T, Kiessling F. Non-invasive imaging for studying anti-angiogenic therapy effects. Thromb Haemost 2013; 109:375-90. [PMID: 23407722 DOI: 10.1160/th12-10-0721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2012] [Accepted: 12/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Noninvasive imaging plays an emerging role in preclinical and clinical cancer research and has high potential to improve clinical translation of new drugs. This article summarises and discusses tools and methods to image tumour angiogenesis and monitor anti-angiogenic therapy effects. In this context, micro-computed tomography (µCT) is recommended to visualise and quantify the micro-architecture of functional tumour vessels. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are favourable tools to assess functional vascular parameters, such as perfusion and relative blood volume. These functional parameters have been shown to indicate anti-angiogenic therapy response at an early stage, before changes in tumour size appear. For tumour characterisation, the imaging of the molecular characteristics of tumour blood vessels, such as receptor expression, might have an even higher diagnostic potential and has been shown to be highly suitable for therapy monitoring as well. In this context, US using targeted microbubbles is currently evaluated in clinical trials as an important tool for the molecular characterisation of the angiogenic endothelium. Other modalities, being preferably used for molecular imaging of vessels and their surrounding stroma, are photoacoustic imaging (PAI), near-infrared fluorescence optical imaging (OI), MRI, positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). The latter two are particularly useful if very high sensitivity is needed, and/or if the molecular target is difficult to access. Carefully considering the pros and cons of different imaging modalities in a multimodal imaging setup enables a comprehensive longitudinal assessment of the (micro)morphology, function and molecular regulation of tumour vessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josef Ehling
- Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging, Medical Faculty and Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
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14
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Nielsen T, Bentzen L, Pedersen M, Tramm T, Rijken PFJW, Bussink J, Horsman MR, Østergaard L. Combretastatin A-4 phosphate affects tumor vessel volume and size distribution as assessed using MRI-based vessel size imaging. Clin Cancer Res 2012; 18:6469-77. [PMID: 23071260 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-12-2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Combretastatin A-4 disodium phosphate (CA4P) is a promising vascular disrupting agent (VDA) in clinical trials. As CA4P acts on dividing endothelial cells, we hypothesize that CA4P affects vessels of certain sizes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of CA4P by the MRI-based vessel size imaging (VSI). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN C3H mammary carcinomas were grown to 200 mm(3) in the right rear foot of female CDF(1) mice. A control group of mice received no treatment, and a treatment group had CA4P administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 250 mg/kg. VSI was conducted on a 3 Tesla MR scanner to estimate the tumor blood volume (ζ(0)) and mean vessel radius (R). Vascularization was also estimated histologically by endothelial and Hoechst 33342 staining. RESULTS ζ(0) and R showed different spatial heterogeneity. Tumor median and quartile values of ζ(0) were all significantly reduced by about 35% in the CA4P-treated group as compared with the control group, and the median and upper quartile of R were significantly increased. Histograms of ζ(0) and R showed a general decrease in ζ(0) following treatment, and values of R in a certain range (≈20-30 μm) were decreased in the treatment group. The drug-induced change in ζ(0) was in agreement with histology and our previous dynamic contrast enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) data. CONCLUSIONS Tumor blood volume and mean vessel radius showed a clear response following treatment with CA4P. VSI may prove valuable in estimation of tumor angiogenesis and prediction of response to VDAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Nielsen
- Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, Danish National Research Foundations Center of Functionally Integrative Neuroscience, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
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15
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Burrell JS, Bradley RS, Walker-Samuel S, Jamin Y, Baker LCJ, Boult JKR, Withers PJ, Halliday J, Waterton JC, Robinson SP. MRI measurements of vessel calibre in tumour xenografts: comparison with vascular corrosion casting. Microvasc Res 2012; 84:323-9. [PMID: 22921880 PMCID: PMC3657196 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2012.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2012] [Revised: 08/06/2012] [Accepted: 08/09/2012] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Vessel size index (Rv, μm) has been proposed as a quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) derived imaging biomarker in oncology, for the non-invasive assessment of tumour blood vessel architecture and vascular targeted therapies. Appropriate pre-clinical evaluation of Rv in animal tumour models will improve the interpretation and guide the introduction of the biomarker into clinical studies. The objective of this study was to compare Rv measured in vivo with vessel size measurements from high-resolution X-ray computed tomography (μCT) of vascular corrosion casts measured post mortem from the same tumours, with and without vascular targeted therapy. MRI measurements were first acquired from subcutaneous SW1222 colorectal xenografts in mice following treatment with 0 (n = 6), 30 (n = 6) or 200 mg/kg (n = 3) of the vascular disrupting agent ZD6126. The mice were then immediately infused with a low viscosity resin and, following polymerisation and maceration of surrounding tissues, the resulting tumour vascular casts were dissected and subsequently imaged using an optimised μCT imaging approach. Vessel diameters were not measurable by μCT in the 200 mg/kg group as the high dose of ZD6126 precluded delivery of the resin to the tumour vascular bed. The mean Rv for the three treatment groups was 24, 23 and 23.5 μm respectively; the corresponding μCT measurements from corrosion casts from the 0 and 30 mg/kg cohorts were 25 and 28 μm. The strong association between the in vivo MRI and post mortem μCT values supports the use of Rv as an imaging biomarker in clinical trials of investigational vascular targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake S Burrell
- CR-UK & EPSRC Cancer Imaging Centre, Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road Sutton, Surrey, SM2 5NG, UK
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16
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Boult JKR, Jamin Y, Jacobs V, Gilmour LD, Walker-Samuel S, Halliday J, Elvin P, Ryan AJ, Waterton JC, Robinson SP. False-negative MRI biomarkers of tumour response to targeted cancer therapeutics. Br J Cancer 2012; 106:1960-6. [PMID: 22596237 PMCID: PMC3388570 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2012.208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2012] [Accepted: 04/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-invasive quantitative imaging biomarkers are essential for the evaluation of novel targeted therapeutics. Before deployment in clinical trials, such imaging biomarkers require qualification, typically through pre-clinical identification of imaging-pathology correlates. METHODS First, in investigating imaging biomarkers of invasion, the response of orthotopic murine PC3 prostate xenografts to the Src inhibitor saracatinib was assessed using susceptibility contrast MRI. Second, the longitudinal response of chemically induced rat mammary adenocarcinomas to the VEGFR2 inhibitor vandetanib was monitored by intrinsic susceptibility MRI, to identify the time window of transient vascular normalisation. RESULTS No significant differences in fractional blood volume (%), vessel calibre (μm), native T(1) (ms) or apparent water diffusion coefficient were determined, despite reduced expression of activated Fak and paxillin in the saracatinib cohort. Treatment with vandetanib elicited a 60% antitumour response (P<0.01), 80% inhibition in vessel density (P<0.05) and reduction in hypoxia (P<0.05). There was, however, no significant change in tumour baseline R(2)* (s(-1)) or carbogen-induced ΔR(2)* with treatment. CONCLUSION Reporting negative imaging biomarker responses is important, to avoid the risk of clinical trials using the same biomarkers being undertaken with a false expectation of success, and the abandonment of promising new therapeutics based on a false-negative imaging biomarker response being mistaken for a true-negative.
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Affiliation(s)
- J K R Boult
- Cancer Research UK and EPSRC Cancer Imaging Centre, Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Y Jamin
- Cancer Research UK and EPSRC Cancer Imaging Centre, Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5NG, UK
| | - V Jacobs
- AstraZeneca, Alderley Park, Cheshire SK10 4TG, UK
| | - L D Gilmour
- Cancer Research UK and EPSRC Cancer Imaging Centre, Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5NG, UK
| | - S Walker-Samuel
- Cancer Research UK and EPSRC Cancer Imaging Centre, Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5NG, UK
| | - J Halliday
- AstraZeneca, Alderley Park, Cheshire SK10 4TG, UK
| | - P Elvin
- AstraZeneca, Alderley Park, Cheshire SK10 4TG, UK
| | - A J Ryan
- AstraZeneca, Alderley Park, Cheshire SK10 4TG, UK
| | - J C Waterton
- AstraZeneca, Alderley Park, Cheshire SK10 4TG, UK
| | - S P Robinson
- Cancer Research UK and EPSRC Cancer Imaging Centre, Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5NG, UK
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