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Gerwing M, Hoffmann E, Kronenberg K, Hansen U, Masthoff M, Helfen A, Geyer C, Wachsmuth L, Höltke C, Maus B, Hoerr V, Krähling T, Hiddeßen L, Heindel W, Karst U, Kimm MA, Schinner R, Eisenblätter M, Faber C, Wildgruber M. Multiparametric MRI enables for differentiation of different degrees of malignancy in two murine models of breast cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1000036. [PMID: 36408159 PMCID: PMC9667047 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1000036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The objective of this study was to non-invasively differentiate the degree of malignancy in two murine breast cancer models based on identification of distinct tissue characteristics in a metastatic and non-metastatic tumor model using a multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) approach. Methods The highly metastatic 4T1 breast cancer model was compared to the non-metastatic 67NR model. Imaging was conducted on a 9.4 T small animal MRI. The protocol was used to characterize tumors regarding their structural composition, including heterogeneity, intratumoral edema and hemorrhage, as well as endothelial permeability using apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), T1/T2 mapping and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) imaging. Mice were assessed on either day three, six or nine, with an i.v. injection of the albumin-binding contrast agent gadofosveset. Ex vivo validation of the results was performed with laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), histology, immunhistochemistry and electron microscopy. Results Significant differences in tumor composition were observed over time and between 4T1 and 67NR tumors. 4T1 tumors showed distorted blood vessels with a thin endothelial layer, resulting in a slower increase in signal intensity after injection of the contrast agent. Higher permeability was further reflected in higher Ktrans values, with consecutive retention of gadolinium in the tumor interstitium visible in MRI. 67NR tumors exhibited blood vessels with a thicker and more intact endothelial layer, resulting in higher peak enhancement, as well as higher maximum slope and area under the curve, but also a visible wash-out of the contrast agent and thus lower Ktrans values. A decreasing accumulation of gadolinium during tumor progression was also visible in both models in LA-ICP-MS. Tissue composition of 4T1 tumors was more heterogeneous, with intratumoral hemorrhage and necrosis and corresponding higher T1 and T2 relaxation times, while 67NR tumors mainly consisted of densely packed tumor cells. Histogram analysis of ADC showed higher values of mean ADC, histogram kurtosis, range and the 90th percentile (p90), as markers for the heterogenous structural composition of 4T1 tumors. Principal component analysis (PCA) discriminated well between the two tumor models. Conclusions Multiparametric MRI as presented in this study enables for the estimation of malignant potential in the two studied tumor models via the assessment of certain tumor features over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjam Gerwing
- Clinic of Radiology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Translational Research Imaging Center, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- *Correspondence: Mirjam Gerwing,
| | - Emily Hoffmann
- Clinic of Radiology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Translational Research Imaging Center, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Katharina Kronenberg
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Uwe Hansen
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Max Masthoff
- Clinic of Radiology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Translational Research Imaging Center, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Anne Helfen
- Clinic of Radiology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Translational Research Imaging Center, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Christiane Geyer
- Clinic of Radiology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Translational Research Imaging Center, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Lydia Wachsmuth
- Clinic of Radiology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Translational Research Imaging Center, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Carsten Höltke
- Clinic of Radiology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Translational Research Imaging Center, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Bastian Maus
- Clinic of Radiology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Translational Research Imaging Center, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Verena Hoerr
- Clinic of Radiology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Translational Research Imaging Center, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Heart Center Bonn, Department of Internal Medicine II, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Tobias Krähling
- Clinic of Radiology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Translational Research Imaging Center, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Lena Hiddeßen
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Walter Heindel
- Clinic of Radiology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Translational Research Imaging Center, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Uwe Karst
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Melanie A. Kimm
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
| | - Regina Schinner
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
| | - Michel Eisenblätter
- Clinic of Radiology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Translational Research Imaging Center, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Cornelius Faber
- Clinic of Radiology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Translational Research Imaging Center, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Moritz Wildgruber
- Clinic of Radiology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Translational Research Imaging Center, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
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Johnson GB, Harms HJ, Johnson DR, Jacobson MS. PET Imaging of Tumor Perfusion: A Potential Cancer Biomarker? Semin Nucl Med 2020; 50:549-561. [PMID: 33059824 DOI: 10.1053/j.semnuclmed.2020.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Perfusion, as measured by imaging, is considered a standard of care biomarker for the evaluation of many tumors. Measurements of tumor perfusion may be used in a number of ways, including improving the visual detection of lesions, differentiating malignant from benign findings, assessing aggressiveness of tumors, identifying ischemia and by extension hypoxia within tumors, and assessing treatment response. While most clinical perfusion imaging is currently performed with CT or MR, a number of methods for PET imaging of tumor perfusion have been described. The inert PET radiotracer 15O-water PET represents the recognized gold standard for absolute quantification of tissue perfusion in both normal tissue and a variety of pathological conditions including cancer. Other cancer PET perfusion imaging strategies include the use of radiotracers with high first-pass uptake, analogous to those used in cardiac perfusion PET. This strategy produces more visually pleasing high-contrast images that provide relative rather than absolute perfusion quantification. Lastly, multiple timepoint imaging of PET tracers such as 18F-FDG, are not specifically optimized for perfusion, but have advantages related to availability, convenience, and reimbursement. Multiple obstacles have thus far blocked the routine use of PET imaging for tumor perfusion, including tracer production and distribution, image processing, patient body coverage, clinical validation, regulatory approval and reimbursement, and finally feasible clinical workflows. Fortunately, these obstacles are being overcome, especially within larger imaging centers, opening the door for PET imaging of tumor perfusion to become standard clinical practice. In the foreseeable future, it is possible that whole-body PET perfusion imaging with 15O-water will be able to be performed in a single imaging session concurrent with standard PET imaging techniques such as 18F-FDG-PET. This approach could establish an efficient clinical workflow. The resultant ability to measure absolute tumor blood flow in combination with glycolysis will provide important complementary information to inform prognosis and clinical decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey B Johnson
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MNDepartment of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
| | - Hendrik J Harms
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Nuclear Medicine, PET and Radiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala Sweden
| | - Derek R Johnson
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MNDepartment of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Mark S Jacobson
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MNDepartment of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
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Wadsworth BJ, Cederberg RA, Lee CM, Firmino NS, Franks SE, Pan J, Colpo N, Lin KS, Benard F, Bennewith KL. Angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker telmisartan inhibits the development of transient hypoxia and improves tumour response to radiation. Cancer Lett 2020; 493:31-40. [PMID: 32763272 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxic tumour cells are radiation-resistant and are associated with poor therapeutic outcome. A poorly understood source of tumour hypoxia is unstable perfusion, which exposes tumour cells to varying oxygen tensions over time creating "transiently" hypoxic cells. Evidence suggests that angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers (ARBs) can improve tumour perfusion by reducing collagen deposition from cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs). However, the influence of ARBs on transient hypoxia and tumour radiation response is unknown. We tested how the ARBs losartan and telmisartan affected the solid tumour microenvironment, using fluorescent perfusion dyes and positron emission tomography to quantify tumour perfusion, and a combination of hypoxia markers and the hemorheological agent pentoxifylline to assess transient tumour hypoxia. We found CAF-containing tumours have reduced collagen I levels in response to telmisartan, but not losartan. Telmisartan significantly increased tumour blood flow, stabilized microregional tumour perfusion, and decreased tumour hypoxia by reducing the development of transient hypoxia. Telmisartan-treated tumours were more responsive to radiation, indicating that telmisartan reduces a therapeutically important population of transiently hypoxic tumour cells. Our findings indicate telmisartan is capable of modifying the tumour microenvironment to stabilize tumour perfusion, reduce transient hypoxia, and improve tumour radiation response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brennan J Wadsworth
- Integrative Oncology, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Rachel A Cederberg
- Integrative Oncology, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Che-Min Lee
- Integrative Oncology, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Interdisciplinary Oncology Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Natalie S Firmino
- Integrative Oncology, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Jinhe Pan
- Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Nadine Colpo
- Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kuo-Shyan Lin
- Interdisciplinary Oncology Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Francois Benard
- Interdisciplinary Oncology Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kevin L Bennewith
- Integrative Oncology, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Interdisciplinary Oncology Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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