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Fries LM, Hune TLK, Sternkopf S, Mamone S, Schneider KL, Schulz-Heddergott R, Becker D, Glöggler S. Real-Time Metabolic Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy of Pancreatic and Colon Cancer Tumor-Xenografts with Parahydrogen Hyperpolarized 1- 13C Pyruvate-d 3. Chemistry 2024:e202400187. [PMID: 38887134 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202400187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Parahydrogen-induced polarization (PHIP) is an emerging technique to enhance the signal of stable isotope metabolic contrast agents for Magnetic Resonance (MR). The objective of this study is to continue establishing 1-13C-pyruvate-d3, signal-enhanced via PHIP, as a hyperpolarized contrast agent, obtained in seconds, to monitor metabolism in human cancer. Our focus was on human pancreatic and colon tumor xenografts. 1-13C-vinylpyruvate-d6 was hydrogenated using parahydrogen. Thereafter, the polarization of the protons was transferred to 13C. Following a workup procedure, the free hyperpolarized 1-13C-pyruvate-d3 was obtained in clean aqueous solution. After injection into animals bearing either pancreatic or colon cancer xenografts, slice-selective MR spectra were acquired and analyzed to determine rate constants of metabolic conversion into lactate and alanine. 1-13C-pyruvate-d3 proved to follow the increased metabolic rate to lactate and alanine in the tumor xenografts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Fries
- NMR Signal Enhancement Group Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Am Faßberg 11, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
- Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straße 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Theresa L K Hune
- NMR Signal Enhancement Group Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Am Faßberg 11, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
- Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straße 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sonja Sternkopf
- NMR Signal Enhancement Group Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Am Faßberg 11, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
- Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straße 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Salvatore Mamone
- NMR Signal Enhancement Group Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Am Faßberg 11, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
- Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straße 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
- Present address: Department of Life, Health and Environmental Science, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Localita' Coppito, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Kim Lucia Schneider
- Department of Molecular Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Justus von Liebig Weg 11, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
- Clinical Research Unit 5002, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straße 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ramona Schulz-Heddergott
- Department of Molecular Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Justus von Liebig Weg 11, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
- Clinical Research Unit 5002, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straße 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Dorothea Becker
- Department of NMR-based Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Am Faßberg 11, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Glöggler
- NMR Signal Enhancement Group Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Am Faßberg 11, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
- Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straße 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
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2
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Hoffmann E, Masthoff M, Kunz WG, Seidensticker M, Bobe S, Gerwing M, Berdel WE, Schliemann C, Faber C, Wildgruber M. Multiparametric MRI for characterization of the tumour microenvironment. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024; 21:428-448. [PMID: 38641651 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-024-00891-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Our understanding of tumour biology has evolved over the past decades and cancer is now viewed as a complex ecosystem with interactions between various cellular and non-cellular components within the tumour microenvironment (TME) at multiple scales. However, morphological imaging remains the mainstay of tumour staging and assessment of response to therapy, and the characterization of the TME with non-invasive imaging has not yet entered routine clinical practice. By combining multiple MRI sequences, each providing different but complementary information about the TME, multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) enables non-invasive assessment of molecular and cellular features within the TME, including their spatial and temporal heterogeneity. With an increasing number of advanced MRI techniques bridging the gap between preclinical and clinical applications, mpMRI could ultimately guide the selection of treatment approaches, precisely tailored to each individual patient, tumour and therapeutic modality. In this Review, we describe the evolving role of mpMRI in the non-invasive characterization of the TME, outline its applications for cancer detection, staging and assessment of response to therapy, and discuss considerations and challenges for its use in future medical applications, including personalized integrated diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Hoffmann
- Clinic of Radiology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Max Masthoff
- Clinic of Radiology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Wolfgang G Kunz
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Max Seidensticker
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefanie Bobe
- Gerhard Domagk Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Mirjam Gerwing
- Clinic of Radiology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | | | - Cornelius Faber
- Clinic of Radiology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Moritz Wildgruber
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
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3
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Xu X, Ma M, Ye K, Zhang D, Chen X, Wu J, Mo X, Xiao Z, Shi C, Luo L. Magnetic resonance imaging-based approaches for detecting the efficacy of combining therapy following VEGFR-2 and PD-1 blockade in a colon cancer model. J Transl Med 2024; 22:198. [PMID: 38395884 PMCID: PMC10893708 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-04975-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angiogenesis inhibitors have been identified to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy in recent studies. However, the delayed therapeutic effect of immunotherapy poses challenges in treatment planning. Therefore, this study aims to explore the potential of non-invasive imaging techniques, specifically intravoxel-incoherent-motion diffusion-weighted imaging (IVIM-DWI) and blood oxygenation level-dependent magnetic resonance imaging (BOLD-MRI), in detecting the anti-tumor response to the combination therapy involving immune checkpoint blockade therapy and anti-angiogenesis therapy in a tumor-bearing animal model. METHODS The C57BL/6 mice were implanted with murine MC-38 cells to establish colon cancer xenograft model, and randomly divided into the control group, anti-PD-1 therapy group, and combination therapy group (VEGFR-2 inhibitor combined with anti-PD-1 antibody treatment). All mice were imaged before and, on the 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th day after administration, and pathological examinations were conducted at the same time points. RESULTS The combination therapy group effectively suppressed tumor growth, exhibiting a significantly higher tumor inhibition rate of 69.96% compared to the anti-PD-1 group (56.71%). The f value and D* value of IVIM-DWI exhibit advantages in reflecting tumor angiogenesis. The D* value showed the highest correlation with CD31 (r = 0.702, P = 0.001), and the f value demonstrated the closest correlation with vessel maturity (r = 0.693, P = 0.001). While the BOLD-MRI parameter, R2* value, shows the highest correlation with Hif-1α(r = 0.778, P < 0.001), indicating the capability of BOLD-MRI to evaluate tumor hypoxia. In addition, the D value of IVIM-DWI is closely related to tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis, and infiltration of lymphocytes. The D value was highly correlated with Ki-67 (r = - 0.792, P < 0.001), TUNEL (r = 0.910, P < 0.001) and CD8a (r = 0.918, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The combination of VEGFR-2 inhibitors with PD-1 immunotherapy shows a synergistic anti-tumor effect on the mouse colon cancer model. IVIM-DWI and BOLD-MRI are expected to be used as non-invasive approaches to provide imaging-based evidence for tumor response detection and efficacy evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Xu
- Medical Imaging Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Mengjie Ma
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Kunlin Ye
- Medical Imaging Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- Medical Imaging Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Xinhui Chen
- Medical Imaging Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Jiayang Wu
- Medical Imaging Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Xukai Mo
- Medical Imaging Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Zeyu Xiao
- Medical Imaging Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical Translation, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Changzheng Shi
- Medical Imaging Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical Translation, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Liangping Luo
- Medical Imaging Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical Translation, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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4
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Woitek R, Brindle KM. Hyperpolarized Carbon-13 MRI in Breast Cancer. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2311. [PMID: 37443703 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13132311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the hallmarks of cancer is metabolic reprogramming, including high levels of aerobic glycolysis (the Warburg effect). Pyruvate is a product of glucose metabolism, and 13C-MR imaging of the metabolism of hyperpolarized (HP) [1-13C]pyruvate (HP 13C-MRI) has been shown to be a potentially versatile tool for the clinical evaluation of tumor metabolism. Hyperpolarization of the 13C nuclear spin can increase the sensitivity of detection by 4-5 orders of magnitude. Therefore, following intravenous injection, the location of hyperpolarized 13C-labeled pyruvate in the body and its subsequent metabolism can be tracked using 13C-MRI. Hyperpolarized [13C]urea and [1,4-13C2]fumarate are also likely to translate to the clinic in the near future as tools for imaging tissue perfusion and post-treatment tumor cell death, respectively. For clinical breast imaging, HP 13C-MRI can be combined with 1H-MRI to address the need for detailed anatomical imaging combined with improved functional tumor phenotyping and very early identification of patients not responding to standard and novel neoadjuvant treatments. If the technical complexity of the hyperpolarization process and the relatively high associated costs can be reduced, then hyperpolarized 13C-MRI has the potential to become more widely available for large-scale clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramona Woitek
- Research Centre for Medical Image Analysis and AI, Danube Private University, 3500 Krems, Austria
- Department of Radiology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Kevin M Brindle
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QW, UK
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5
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Hoffmann E, Gerwing M, Krähling T, Hansen U, Kronenberg K, Masthoff M, Geyer C, Höltke C, Wachsmuth L, Schinner R, Hoerr V, Heindel W, Karst U, Eisenblätter M, Maus B, Helfen A, Faber C, Wildgruber M. Vascular response patterns to targeted therapies in murine breast cancer models with divergent degrees of malignancy. Breast Cancer Res 2023; 25:56. [PMID: 37221619 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-023-01658-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Response assessment of targeted cancer therapies is becoming increasingly challenging, as it is not adequately assessable with conventional morphological and volumetric analyses of tumor lesions. The tumor microenvironment is particularly constituted by tumor vasculature which is altered by various targeted therapies. The aim of this study was to noninvasively assess changes in tumor perfusion and vessel permeability after targeted therapy in murine models of breast cancer with divergent degrees of malignancy. METHODS Low malignant 67NR or highly malignant 4T1 tumor-bearing mice were treated with either the multi-kinase inhibitor sorafenib or immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI, combination of anti-PD1 and anti-CTLA4). Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) with i.v. injection of albumin-binding gadofosveset was conducted on a 9.4 T small animal MRI. Ex vivo validation of MRI results was achieved by transmission electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. RESULTS Therapy-induced changes in tumor vasculature differed between low and highly malignant tumors. Sorafenib treatment led to decreased tumor perfusion and endothelial permeability in low malignant 67NR tumors. In contrast, highly malignant 4T1 tumors demonstrated characteristics of a transient window of vascular normalization with an increase in tumor perfusion and permeability early after therapy initiation, followed by decreased perfusion and permeability parameters. In the low malignant 67NR model, ICI treatment also mediated vessel-stabilizing effects with decreased tumor perfusion and permeability, while ICI-treated 4T1 tumors exhibited increasing tumor perfusion with excessive vascular leakage. CONCLUSION DCE-MRI enables noninvasive assessment of early changes in tumor vasculature after targeted therapies, revealing different response patterns between tumors with divergent degrees of malignancy. DCE-derived tumor perfusion and permeability parameters may serve as vascular biomarkers that allow for repetitive examination of response to antiangiogenic treatment or immunotherapy.
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Grants
- 446302350, 194468054, 431460824 Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
- 446302350, 194468054, 431460824 Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
- 446302350, 194468054, 431460824 Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
- 446302350, 194468054, 431460824 Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
- 446302350, 194468054, 431460824 Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
- 446302350, 194468054, 431460824 Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
- 446302350, 194468054, 431460824 Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
- 446302350, 194468054, 431460824 Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
- 446302350, 194468054, 431460824 Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
- 446302350, 194468054, 431460824 Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
- 446302350, 194468054, 431460824 Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
- 446302350, 194468054, 431460824 Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
- 446302350, 194468054, 431460824 Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
- 446302350, 194468054, 431460824 Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
- 446302350, 194468054, 431460824 Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
- 446302350, 194468054, 431460824 Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
- 446302350, 194468054, 431460824 Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
- 446302350, 194468054, 431460824 Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Hoffmann
- Clinic of Radiology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
| | - Mirjam Gerwing
- Clinic of Radiology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Tobias Krähling
- Clinic of Radiology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Uwe Hansen
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Katharina Kronenberg
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Max Masthoff
- Clinic of Radiology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Carsten Höltke
- Clinic of Radiology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Lydia Wachsmuth
- Clinic of Radiology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Regina Schinner
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Verena Hoerr
- Clinic of Radiology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Heart Center Bonn, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Walter Heindel
- Clinic of Radiology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Uwe Karst
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Michel Eisenblätter
- Clinic of Radiology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Faculty OWL, University of Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Bastian Maus
- Clinic of Radiology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Anne Helfen
- Clinic of Radiology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Cornelius Faber
- Clinic of Radiology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Moritz Wildgruber
- Clinic of Radiology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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6
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Sharma G, Enriquez JS, Armijo R, Wang M, Bhattacharya P, Pudakalakatti S. Enhancing Cancer Diagnosis with Real-Time Feedback: Tumor Metabolism through Hyperpolarized 1- 13C Pyruvate MRSI. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13050606. [PMID: 37233647 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13050606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
This review article discusses the potential of hyperpolarized (HP) 13C magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) as a noninvasive technique for identifying altered metabolism in various cancer types. Hyperpolarization significantly improves the signal-to-noise ratio for the identification of 13C-labeled metabolites, enabling dynamic and real-time imaging of the conversion of [1-13C] pyruvate to [1-13C] lactate and/or [1-13C] alanine. The technique has shown promise in identifying upregulated glycolysis in most cancers, as compared to normal cells, and detecting successful treatment responses at an earlier stage than multiparametric MRI in breast and prostate cancer patients. The review provides a concise overview of the applications of HP [1-13C] pyruvate MRSI in various cancer systems, highlighting its potential for use in preclinical and clinical investigations, precision medicine, and long-term studies of therapeutic response. The article also discusses emerging frontiers in the field, such as combining multiple metabolic imaging techniques with HP MRSI for a more comprehensive view of cancer metabolism, and leveraging artificial intelligence to develop real-time, actionable biomarkers for early detection, assessing aggressiveness, and interrogating the early efficacy of therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Sharma
- Department of Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Advanced Imaging Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - José S Enriquez
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 75390, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 75390, USA
| | - Ryan Armijo
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 75390, USA
| | - Muxin Wang
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 75390, USA
| | - Pratip Bhattacharya
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 75390, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 75390, USA
| | - Shivanand Pudakalakatti
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 75390, USA
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7
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Takakusagi Y, Kobayashi R, Saito K, Kishimoto S, Krishna MC, Murugesan R, Matsumoto KI. EPR and Related Magnetic Resonance Imaging Techniques in Cancer Research. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13010069. [PMID: 36676994 PMCID: PMC9862119 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13010069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Imaging tumor microenvironments such as hypoxia, oxygenation, redox status, and/or glycolytic metabolism in tissues/cells is useful for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. New imaging modalities are under development for imaging various aspects of tumor microenvironments. Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Imaging (EPRI) though similar to NMR/MRI is unique in its ability to provide quantitative images of pO2 in vivo. The short electron spin relaxation times have been posing formidable challenge to the technology development for clinical application. With the availability of the narrow line width trityl compounds, pulsed EPR imaging techniques were developed for pO2 imaging. EPRI visualizes the exogenously administered spin probes/contrast agents and hence lacks the complementary morphological information. Dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP), a phenomenon that transfers the high electron spin polarization to the surrounding nuclear spins (1H and 13C) opened new capabilities in molecular imaging. DNP of 13C nuclei is utilized in metabolic imaging of 13C-labeled compounds by imaging specific enzyme kinetics. In this article, imaging strategies mapping physiologic and metabolic aspects in vivo are reviewed within the framework of their application in cancer research, highlighting the potential and challenges of each of them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoichi Takakusagi
- Quantum Hyperpolarized MRI Research Team, Institute for Quantum Life Science, Quantum Life and Medical Science Directorate, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-Ku, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
- Department of Quantum Life Science, Graduate School of Science, Chiba University, Chiba 265-8522, Japan
- Correspondence: (Y.T.); (K.-i.M.); Tel.: +81-43-382-4297 (Y.T.); +81-43-206-3123 (K.-i.M.)
| | - Ryoma Kobayashi
- Quantum Hyperpolarized MRI Research Team, Institute for Quantum Life Science, Quantum Life and Medical Science Directorate, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-Ku, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Keita Saito
- Quantum Hyperpolarized MRI Research Team, Institute for Quantum Life Science, Quantum Life and Medical Science Directorate, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-Ku, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Shun Kishimoto
- Radiation Biology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1002, USA
| | - Murali C. Krishna
- Radiation Biology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1002, USA
| | - Ramachandran Murugesan
- Karpaga Vinayaga Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Center, Palayanoor (PO), Chengalpattu 603308, India
| | - Ken-ichiro Matsumoto
- Quantitative RedOx Sensing Group, Department of Radiation Regulatory Science Research, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, Quantum Life and Medical Science Directorate, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-Ku, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
- Correspondence: (Y.T.); (K.-i.M.); Tel.: +81-43-382-4297 (Y.T.); +81-43-206-3123 (K.-i.M.)
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8
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Chen M, Zhou K, Dai SY, Tadepalli S, Balakrishnan PB, Xie J, Rami FEI, Dai T, Cui L, Idoyaga J, Rao J. In vivo bioluminescence imaging of granzyme B activity in tumor response to cancer immunotherapy. Cell Chem Biol 2022; 29:1556-1567.e6. [PMID: 36103874 PMCID: PMC9588750 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2022.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of cancer, but only a small subset of patients benefits from this new treatment regime. Imaging tools are useful for early detection of tumor response to immunotherapy and probing the dynamic and complex immune system. Here, we report a bioluminescence probe (GBLI-2) for non-invasive, real-time, longitudinal imaging of granzyme B activity in tumors receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors. GBLI-2 is made of the mouse granzyme B tetrapeptide IEFD substrate conjugated to D-luciferin through a self-immolative group. GBLI-2 was evaluated for imaging the dynamics of the granzyme B activity and predicting therapeutic efficacy in a syngeneic mouse model of CT26 murine colorectal carcinoma. The GBLI-2 signal correlated with the change in the population of PD-1- and granzyme B-expressing CD8+ T cells in tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Chen
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Kaixiang Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Sheng-Yao Dai
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Sirimuvva Tadepalli
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Preethi Bala Balakrishnan
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jinghang Xie
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Fadi E I Rami
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Tingting Dai
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Liyang Cui
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Juliana Idoyaga
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jianghong Rao
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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9
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Abstract
MRI is a widely available clinical tool for cancer diagnosis and treatment monitoring. MRI provides excellent soft tissue imaging, using a wide range of contrast mechanisms, and can non-invasively detect tissue metabolites. These approaches can be used to distinguish cancer from normal tissues, to stratify tumor aggressiveness, and to identify changes within both the tumor and its microenvironment in response to therapy. In this review, the role of MRI in immunotherapy monitoring will be discussed and how it could be utilized in the future to address some of the unique clinical questions that arise from immunotherapy. For example, MRI could play a role in identifying pseudoprogression, mixed response, T cell infiltration, cell tracking, and some of the characteristic immune-related adverse events associated with these agents. The factors to be considered when developing MRI imaging biomarkers for immunotherapy will be reviewed. Finally, the advantages and limitations of each approach will be discussed, as well as the challenges for future clinical translation into routine clinical care. Given the increasing use of immunotherapy in a wide range of cancers and the ability of MRI to detect the microstructural and functional changes associated with successful response to immunotherapy, the technique has great potential for more widespread and routine use in the future for these applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doreen Lau
- Centre for Immuno-Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Pippa G Corrie
- Department of Oncology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
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Ren Y, Pan F, Kan X, Wang J, Han P, Yan J, Li L, Sun P, Liu CY, Bao Q, Yang L, Zheng C. Multimodal Imaging Response after the Singular or Combination Treatments of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Inhibitor and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor. Mol Pharm 2022; 19:3664-3672. [PMID: 35976154 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to dynamically assess tumor changes after variable treatments with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor and/or immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) using multimodal imaging of MRI and 18F-FDG PET/CT in a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mice model. Based on different treatments, 24 mice were randomly divided into four groups: control (isotype-matched IgG antibody 10 mg/kg), VEGF inhibitor (sorafenib 50 mg/kg), ICI (anti-PD-L1 antibody 10 mg/kg), and combination groups (sorafenib 50 mg/kg + anti-PD-L1 antibody 10 mg/kg). Quantitative imaging assessments, including volume transfer constant (Ktrans), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), lactate/choline ratio, and the maximum standardized 18F-FDG uptake value ratio of tumor to muscle (SUVtumor/SUVmuscle ratio), were acquired at different time points (before treatment and 7, 14, and 21 days after treatment). Quantitative data were presented as the mean ± standard errors and two-way repeated-measure ANOVA tests were performed for intergroup and intertime point comparisons. After 21 days from the initiation of therapies, combination group showed the lowest tumor volume and weight, followed by ICI, VEGF inhibitor, and control group, with no significance between the VEGF inhibitor and control groups. In addition, Ktrans values significantly decreased, and the lactate/choline ratio and SUVtumor/SUVmuscle ratio were significantly elevated in the VEGF inhibitor group. ADC significantly increased in the ICI and combination groups, with no significant differences in ADC observed between the control and VEGF inhibitor groups, which showed a similar dynamic change to the tumor volume. Furthermore, Ktrans, lactate/choline ratio, and ADC were significantly correlated with CD31+ area, hypoxyprobe+ area, and apoptosis, respectively. Our results suggest that the singular treatment and combination of the VEGF inhibitor and ICI treatments for HCC present different multimodal imaging changes in accordance with the specific histopathological features. These findings might facilitate the formulation of better treatment response criteria; besides, we find ADC is probably an indicator easily to obtain for treatment response evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanqiao Ren
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Feng Pan
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Xuefeng Kan
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Jiazheng Wang
- Clinical & Technical Solutions, Philips Healthcare, Beijing 100600, China
| | - Ping Han
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Jingjie Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathmatics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Wuhan 430071, China.,Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Lingli Li
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Peng Sun
- Clinical & Technical Solutions, Philips Healthcare, Beijing 100600, China
| | - Chao-Yang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathmatics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Qingjia Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathmatics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Lian Yang
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Chuansheng Zheng
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
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Zhou H, Wang Y, Xu H, Shen X, Zhang T, Zhou X, Zeng Y, Li K, Zhang L, Zhu H, Yang X, Li N, Yang Z, Liu Z. Noninvasive interrogation of CD8+ T cell effector function for monitoring tumor early responses to immunotherapy. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:161065. [PMID: 35788116 PMCID: PMC9374377 DOI: 10.1172/jci161065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Accurately identifying patients who respond to immunotherapy remains clinically challenging. A noninvasive method that can longitudinally capture information about immune cell function and assist in the early assessment of tumor responses is highly desirable for precision immunotherapy. Here, we show that PET imaging using a granzyme B–targeted radiotracer named 68Ga-grazytracer, could noninvasively and effectively predict tumor responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive T cell transfer therapy in multiple tumor models. 68Ga-grazytracer was designed and selected from several radiotracers based on non-aldehyde peptidomimetics, and exhibited excellent in vivo metabolic stability and favorable targeting efficiency to granzyme B secreted by effector CD8+ T cells during immune responses. 68Ga-grazytracer permitted more sensitive discrimination of responders and nonresponders than did 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose, distinguishing between tumor pseudoprogression and true progression upon immune checkpoint blockade therapy in mouse models with varying immunogenicity. In a preliminary clinical trial with 5 patients, no adverse events were observed after 68Ga-grazytracer injection, and clinical responses in cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy were favorably correlated with 68Ga-grazytracer PET results. These results highlight the potential of 68Ga-grazytracer PET to enhance the clinical effectiveness of granzyme B secretion–related immunotherapies by supporting early response assessment and precise patient stratification in a noninvasive and longitudinal manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoyi Zhou
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yanpu Wang
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Hongchuang Xu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiuling Shen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Zhou
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuwen Zeng
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Kui Li
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Peking University Cancer Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hua Zhu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xing Yang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi Yang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaofei Liu
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
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12
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von Morze C, Blazey T, Baeza R, Garipov R, Whitehead T, Reed GD, Garbow JR, Shoghi KI. Multi-band echo-planar spectroscopic imaging of hyperpolarized 13 C probes in a compact preclinical PET/MR scanner. Magn Reson Med 2022; 87:2120-2129. [PMID: 34971459 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.29145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hyperpolarized (HP) 13 C MRI has enabled real-time imaging of specific enzyme-catalyzed metabolic reactions, but advanced pulse sequences are necessary to capture the dynamic, localized metabolic information. Herein we describe the design, implementation, and testing of a rapid and efficient HP 13 C pulse sequence strategy on a cryogen-free simultaneous positron emission tomography/MR molecular imaging platform with compact footprint. METHODS We developed an echo planar spectroscopic imaging pulse sequence incorporating multi-band spectral-spatial radiofrequency (SSRF) pulses for spatially coregistered excitation of 13 C metabolites with differential individual flip angles. Excitation profiles were measured in phantoms, and the SSRF-echo planar spectroscopic imaging sequence was tested in rats in vivo and compared to conventional echo planar spectroscopic imaging. The new sequence was applied for 2D dynamic metabolic imaging of HP [1-13 C]pyruvate and its molecular analog [1-13 C] α -ketobutyrate at a spatial resolution of 5 mm × 5 mm × 20 mm and temporal resolution of 4 s. We also obtained simultaneous 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography data for comparison with HP [1-13 C]pyruvate data acquired during the same scan session. RESULTS Measured SSRF excitation profiles corresponded well to Bloch simulations. Multi-band SSRF excitation facilitated efficient sampling of the multi-spectral kinetics of [1-13 C]pyruvate and [1-13 C] α - ketobutyrate . Whereas high pyruvate to lactate conversion was observed in liver, corresponding reduction of α -ketobutyrate to [1-13 C] α -hydroxybutyrate ( α HB) was largely restricted to the kidneys and heart, consistent with the known expression pattern of lactate dehydrogenase B. CONCLUSION Advanced 13 C SSRF imaging approaches are feasible on our compact positron emission tomography/MR platform, maximizing the potential of HP 13 C technology and facilitating direct comparison with positron emission tomography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelius von Morze
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Tyler Blazey
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | | | | | - Timothy Whitehead
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | | | - Joel R Garbow
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Kooresh I Shoghi
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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13
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Cullen Q, Keshari KR. Imaging Early Response to Checkpoint Inhibition. Cancer Res 2021; 81:3444-3445. [PMID: 34252040 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-1404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade therapy has achieved remarkable clinical success, but these promising results have been limited to a minority of patients. Thus far, efforts to establish a predictive biomarker or accurately assess early response to treatment have been fruitless. In this issue of Cancer Research, Saida and colleagues utilized advanced molecular imaging modalities to assess changes in the tumor microenvironment that correlate with tumor response to immune checkpoint blockade therapy in vivo This study suggests a combination of imaging biomarkers with potential for delineating clinical response to immunotherapy.See related article by Saida et al., p. 3693.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quinlan Cullen
- Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Kayvan R Keshari
- Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York. .,Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
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