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Gaustad JV, Simonsen TG, Hansem LMK, Rofstad EK. Intravital microscopy of tumor vessel morphology and function using a standard fluorescence microscope. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2021; 48:3089-3100. [PMID: 33606081 PMCID: PMC8426228 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-021-05243-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of the study was to demonstrate the performance and possible applications of an intravital microscopy assay using a standard fluorescence microscope. Methods Melanoma and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma xenografts were initiated in dorsal window chambers and subjected to repeated intravital microscopy. The entire tumor vasculature as well as the normal tissue surrounding the tumor was imaged simultaneously with high spatial and temporal resolution. Vascular morphology images were recorded by using transillumination, and vascular masks were produced to quantify vessel density, vessel diameter, vessel segment length, and vessel tortuosity. First-pass imaging movies were recorded after an intervenous injection of a fluorescent marker and were used to investigate vascular function. Lymphatics were visualized by intradermal injections of a fluorescent marker. Results The intravital microscopy assay was used to study tumor growth and vascularization, tumor vessel morphology and function, tumor-associated lymphatics, and vascular effects of acute cyclic hypoxia and antiangiogenic treatment. The assay was sensitive to tumor-line differences in vascular morphology and function and detected tumor-induced lymphatic dilation. Acute cyclic hypoxia induced angiogenesis and increased the density of small diameter vessels and blood supply times, whereas antiangiogenic treatment selectively removed small-diameter vessels, reduced blood supply times, and induced hypoxia. Moreover, the window chamber was compatible with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and parametric images derived by dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI were shown to reflect vascular morphology and function. Conclusions The presented assay represents a useful and affordable alternative to intravital microscopy assays using confocal and multi-photon microscopes. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00259-021-05243-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon-Vidar Gaustad
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Box 4953 Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Trude G Simonsen
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Box 4953 Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lise Mari K Hansem
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Box 4953 Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway
| | - Einar K Rofstad
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Box 4953 Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway
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Gaustad JV, Hauge A, Wegner CS, Simonsen TG, Lund KV, Hansem LMK, Rofstad EK. DCE-MRI of Tumor Hypoxia and Hypoxia-Associated Aggressiveness. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12071979. [PMID: 32698525 PMCID: PMC7409330 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor hypoxia is associated with resistance to treatment, aggressive growth, metastatic dissemination, and poor clinical outcome in many cancer types. The potential of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) to assess the extent of hypoxia in tumors has been investigated in several studies in our laboratory. Cervical carcinoma, melanoma, and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) xenografts have been used as models of human cancer, and the transfer rate constant (Ktrans) and the extravascular extracellular volume fraction (ve) have been derived from DCE-MRI data by using Tofts standard pharmacokinetic model and a population-based arterial input function. Ktrans was found to reflect naturally occurring and treatment-induced hypoxia when hypoxia was caused by low blood perfusion, radiation responsiveness when radiation resistance was due to hypoxia, and metastatic potential when metastasis was hypoxia-induced. Ktrans was also associated with outcome for patients with locally-advanced cervical carcinoma treated with cisplatin-based chemoradiotherapy. Together, the studies imply that DCE-MRI can provide valuable information on the hypoxic status of cervical carcinoma, melanoma, and PDAC. In this communication, we review and discuss the studies and provide some recommendations as to how DCE-MRI data can be analyzed and interpreted to assess tumor hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon-Vidar Gaustad
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, 0310 Oslo, Norway; (A.H.); (C.S.W.); (T.G.S.); (K.V.L.); (L.M.K.H.); (E.K.R.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Anette Hauge
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, 0310 Oslo, Norway; (A.H.); (C.S.W.); (T.G.S.); (K.V.L.); (L.M.K.H.); (E.K.R.)
| | - Catherine S. Wegner
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, 0310 Oslo, Norway; (A.H.); (C.S.W.); (T.G.S.); (K.V.L.); (L.M.K.H.); (E.K.R.)
| | - Trude G. Simonsen
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, 0310 Oslo, Norway; (A.H.); (C.S.W.); (T.G.S.); (K.V.L.); (L.M.K.H.); (E.K.R.)
| | - Kjersti V. Lund
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, 0310 Oslo, Norway; (A.H.); (C.S.W.); (T.G.S.); (K.V.L.); (L.M.K.H.); (E.K.R.)
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, 0310 Oslo, Norway
| | - Lise Mari K. Hansem
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, 0310 Oslo, Norway; (A.H.); (C.S.W.); (T.G.S.); (K.V.L.); (L.M.K.H.); (E.K.R.)
| | - Einar K. Rofstad
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, 0310 Oslo, Norway; (A.H.); (C.S.W.); (T.G.S.); (K.V.L.); (L.M.K.H.); (E.K.R.)
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Lund KV, Simonsen TG, Kristensen GB, Rofstad EK. DCE-MRI of locally-advanced carcinoma of the uterine cervix: Tofts analysis versus non-model-based analyses. Radiat Oncol 2020; 15:79. [PMID: 32293487 PMCID: PMC7158049 DOI: 10.1186/s13014-020-01526-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) may provide biomarkers of the outcome of locally-advanced cervical carcinoma (LACC). There is, however, no agreement on how DCE-MR recordings should be analyzed. Previously, we have analyzed DCE-MRI data of LACC using non-model-based strategies. In the current study, we analyzed DCE-MRI data of LACC using the Tofts pharmacokinetic model, and the biomarkers derived from this analysis were compared with those derived from the non-model-based analyses. METHODS Eighty LACC patients given cisplatin-based chemoradiotherapy with curative intent were included in the study. Treatment outcome was recorded as disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). DCE-MRI series were analyzed voxelwise to produce Ktrans and ve frequency distributions, and ROC analysis was used to identify the parameters of the frequency distributions having the greatest potential as biomarkers. The prognostic power of these parameters was compared with that of the non-model-based parameters LETV (low-enhancing tumor volume) and TVIS (tumor volume with increasing signal). RESULTS Poor DFS and OS were associated with low values of Ktrans, whereas there was no association between treatment outcome and ve. The Ktrans parameters having the greatest prognostic value were p35-Ktrans (the Ktrans value at the 35 percentile of a frequency distribution) and RV-Ktrans (the tumor subvolume with Ktrans values below 0.13 min- 1). Multivariate analysis including clinical parameters and p35-Ktrans or RV-Ktrans revealed that RV-Ktrans was the only independent prognostic factor of DFS and OS. There were significant correlations between RV-Ktrans and LETV and between RV-Ktrans and TVIS, and the prognostic power of RV-Ktrans was similar to that of LETV and TVIS. CONCLUSIONS Biomarkers of the outcome of LACC can be provided by analyzing DCE-MRI series using the Tofts pharmacokinetic model. However, these biomarkers do not appear to have greater prognostic value than biomarkers determined by non-model-based analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kjersti V Lund
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trude G Simonsen
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gunnar B Kristensen
- Department of Gynecological Cancer, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute for Cancer Genetics and Informatics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Einar K Rofstad
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
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Abstract
Background Melanoma patients with metastatic growth in the meninges have poor prognosis and few treatment options. Although treatment with BRAF inhibitors or immune checkpoint inhibitors has provided promising results, most patients with advanced melanoma are resistant to these treatments and develop severe side effects. Novel treatment strategies are needed for patients with meningeal melanoma metastases, and the potential of antiangiogenic therapy was investigated in this preclinical study. Methods Two GFP-transfected melanoma models (A-07 and D-12) differing substantially in VEGF-A expression were included in the study, and the anti-VEGF-A antibody bevacizumab was used as therapeutic agent. Meningeal metastases were initiated in BALB/c nu/nu mice by intracranial inoculation of melanoma cells, and bevacizumab treatment was given twice a week in i.p. doses of 10 mg/kg until the mice became moribund. Therapeutic effects were evaluated by determining tumor host survival time, assessing tumor growth and angiogenic activity by quantitative analyses of histological preparations, and measuring the expression of angiogenesis-related genes by quantitative PCR. Results Meningeal A-07 melanomas showed higher expression of VEGF-A than meningeal D-12 melanomas, whereas the expression of ANGPT2 and IL8, two important angiogenesis drivers in melanoma, was much higher in D-12 than in A-07 tumors. Bevacizumab treatment inhibited tumor angiogenesis and prolonged host survival in mice with A-07 tumors but not in mice with D-12 tumors. Meningeal A-07 tumors in bevacizumab-treated mice compensated for the reduced VEGF-A activity by up-regulating a large number of angiogenesis-related genes, including ANGPT2 and its receptors TIE1 and TIE2. Melanoma cells migrated from meningeal tumors into the cerebrum, where they initiated metastatic growth by vessel co-option. In the A-07 model, the density of cerebral micrometastases was higher in bevacizumab-treated than in untreated mice, either because bevacizumab treatment increased mouse survival or induced increased tumor gene expression. Conclusions The development of antiangiogenic strategies for the treatment of meningeal melanoma metastases is a challenging task because the outcome of treatment will depend on the angiogenic signature of the tumor tissue, treatment-induced alterations of the angiogenic signature, and the treatment sensitivity of metastatic lesions in other intracranial sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trude G Simonsen
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jon-Vidar Gaustad
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Einar K Rofstad
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
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Gaustad JV, Simonsen TG, Wegner CS, Rofstad EK. Vascularization, Oxygenation, and the Effect of Sunitinib Treatment in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Xenografts. Front Oncol 2019; 9:845. [PMID: 31555596 PMCID: PMC6727195 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to investigate vascularization, oxygenation, and the effect of sunitinib treatment in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). BxPC-3 and Capan-2 xenografts grown in dorsal window chambers were used as preclinical models of human PDAC. Tumor angiogenesis and the morphology and function of tumor vascular networks were studied by intravital microscopy, and tumor hypoxia was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The PDAC models differed in vessel distribution and oxygenation, and the differences were induced by the initial tumor angiogenesis. In both models, sunitinib treatment reduced intratumor and peritumor vessel densities by selectively removing small-diameter vessels. Sunitinb treatment resulted in a general decrease in vessel density and scattered hypoxia in BxPC-3 tumors, and depleted most vessels and induced massive hypoxia in central parts of Capan-2 tumors. The study demonstrates that PDAC xenografts can differ in vascularization, and the differences can impact oxygenation and effects of treatment. Neoadjuvant sunitinib treatment is inappropriate in combination with conventional therapy for human PDACs resembling the PDAC xenografts used here, because sunitinib-induced hypoxia can impair the effect of most conventional therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon-Vidar Gaustad
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trude G Simonsen
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Catherine S Wegner
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Einar K Rofstad
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Lund KV, Simonsen TG, Kristensen GB, Rofstad EK. Pharmacokinetic analysis of DCE-MRI data of locally advanced cervical carcinoma with the Brix model. Acta Oncol 2019; 58:828-837. [PMID: 30810443 DOI: 10.1080/0284186x.2019.1580386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Background: There is significant evidence that DCE-MRI may have the potential to provide clinically useful biomarkers of the outcome of locally advanced cervical carcinoma. However, there is no consensus on how to analyze DCE-MRI data to arrive at the most powerful biomarkers. The purpose of this study was to analyze DCE-MRI data of cervical cancer patients by using the Brix pharmacokinetic model and to compare the biomarkers derived from the Brix analysis with biomarkers determined by non-model-based analysis [i.e., low-enhancing tumor volume (LETV) and tumor volume with increasing signal (TVIS)] of the same patient cohort. Material and methods: DCE-MRI recordings of 80 patients (FIGO stage IB-IVA) treated with concurrent cisplatin-based chemoradiotherapy were analyzed voxel-by-voxel, and frequency distributions of the three parameters of the Brix model (ABrix, kep, and kel) were determined. Moreover, risk volumes were calculated from the Brix parameters and termed RV-ABrix, RV-kep, and RV-kel, where the RVs represent the tumor volume with voxel values below a threshold value determined by ROC analysis. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were used as measures of treatment outcome. Results: Significant associations between the median value or any other percentile value of ABrix, kep, or kel and treatment outcome were not found. However, RV-ABrix, RV-kep, and RV-kel correlated with DFS and OS. Multivariate analysis revealed that the prognostic power of RV-ABrix, RV-kep, and RV-kel was independent of well-established clinical prognostic factors. RV-ABrix, RV-kep, and RV-kel correlated with each other as well as with LETV and TVIS. Conclusion: Strong biomarkers of the outcome of locally advanced cervical carcinoma can be provided by subjecting DCE-MRI series to pharmacokinetic analysis using the Brix model. The prognostic power of these biomarkers is not necessarily superior to that of biomarkers identified by non-model-based analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kjersti V. Lund
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trude G. Simonsen
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gunnar B. Kristensen
- Department of Gynecological Cancer, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute for Cancer Genetics and Informatics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Einar K. Rofstad
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Hauge A, Gaustad JV, Huang R, Simonsen TG, Wegner CS, Andersen LMK, Rofstad EK. DCE-MRI and Quantitative Histology Reveal Enhanced Vessel Maturation but Impaired Perfusion and Increased Hypoxia in Bevacizumab-Treated Cervical Carcinoma. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2019; 104:666-676. [PMID: 30858145 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study had a dual purpose: to investigate (1) whether bevacizumab can change the microvasculature and oxygenation of cervical carcinomas and (2) whether any changes can be detected with dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI). METHODS AND MATERIALS Two patient-derived xenograft models of cervical cancer (BK-12 and HL-16) were included in the study. Immunostained histologic preparations from untreated and bevacizumab-treated tumors were analyzed with respect to microvascular density, vessel pericyte coverage, and tumor hypoxia using CD31, α-SMA, and pimonidazole as markers, respectively. DCE-MRI was performed at 7.05 T, and parametric images of Ktrans and ve were derived from the data using the Tofts pharmacokinetic model. RESULTS The tumors of both models showed decreased microvascular density, increased vessel pericyte coverage, and increased vessel maturation after bevacizumab treatment. Bevacizumab-treated tumors were more hypoxic and had lower Ktrans values than untreated tumors in the BK-12 model, whereas bevacizumab-treated and untreated HL-16 tumors had similar hypoxic fractions and similar Ktrans values. Significant correlations were found between median Ktrans and hypoxic fraction, and the data for untreated and bevacizumab-treated tumors were well fitted by the same curve in both tumor models. CONCLUSIONS Bevacizumab-treated tumors show less abnormal microvessels than untreated tumors do, but because of treatment-induced vessel pruning, the overall function of the microvasculature might be impaired after bevacizumab treatment, resulting in increased tumor hypoxia. DCE-MRI has great potential for monitoring bevacizumab-induced changes in tumor hypoxia in cervical carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anette Hauge
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jon-Vidar Gaustad
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ruixia Huang
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trude G Simonsen
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Catherine S Wegner
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lise Mari K Andersen
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Einar K Rofstad
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
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Simonsen TG, Lund KV, Hompland T, Kristensen GB, Rofstad EK. DCE-MRI–Derived Measures of Tumor Hypoxia and Interstitial Fluid Pressure Predict Outcomes in Cervical Carcinoma. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2018; 102:1193-1201. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2018.04.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Hauge A, Wegner CS, Gaustad JV, Simonsen TG, Andersen LMK, Rofstad EK. Diffusion-Weighted MRI Is Insensitive to Changes in the Tumor Microenvironment Induced by Antiangiogenic Therapy. Transl Oncol 2018; 11:1128-1136. [PMID: 30036782 PMCID: PMC6072800 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2018.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Antiangiogenic treatment (AAT) used in combination with radiation therapy or chemotherapy is a promising strategy for the treatment of several cancer diseases. The vascularity and oxygenation of tumors may be changed significantly by AAT, and consequently, a noninvasive method for monitoring AAT-induced changes in these microenvironmental parameters is needed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential usefulness of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI). DW-MRI was conducted with a Bruker Biospec 7.05-T scanner using four diffusion weightings and diffusion sensitization gradients in three orthogonal directions. Maps of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were calculated by using a monoexponential diffusion model. Two cervical carcinoma xenograft models (BK-12, HL-16) were treated with bevacizumab, and two pancreatic carcinoma xenograft models (BxPC-3, Panc-1) were treated with sunitinib. Pimonidazole and CD31 were used as markers of hypoxia and blood vessels, respectively, and fraction of hypoxic tissue (HFPim) and microvascular density (MVD) were quantified by analyzing immunohistochemical preparations. MVD decreased significantly after AAT in BK-12, HL-16, and BxPC-3 tumors, and this decrease was sufficiently large to cause a significant increase in HFPim in BK-12 and BxPC-3 tumors. The ADC maps of treated tumors and untreated control tumors were not significantly different in any of these three tumor models, suggesting that the AAT-induced microenvironmental changes were not detectable by DW-MRI. DW-MRI is insensitive to changes in tumor vascularity and oxygenation induced by bevacizumab or sunitinib treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anette Hauge
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Catherine S Wegner
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jon-Vidar Gaustad
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trude G Simonsen
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lise Mari K Andersen
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Einar K Rofstad
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
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Wegner CS, Hauge A, Simonsen TG, Gaustad JV, Andersen LMK, Rofstad EK. DCE-MRI of Sunitinib-Induced Changes in Tumor Microvasculature and Hypoxia: A Study of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Xenografts. Neoplasia 2018; 20:734-744. [PMID: 29886124 PMCID: PMC6041378 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2018.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Revised: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was dual: to investigate (a) whether sunitinib may induce changes in tumor microvasculature and hypoxia in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and (b) whether any changes can be detected by DCE-MRI. Sunitinib-treated and untreated control tumors of two PDAC xenograft models (BxPC-3 and Panc-1) were subjected to DCE-MRI before the imaged tumors were prepared for quantitative analysis of immunohistochemical preparations. Pimonidazole was used as a hypoxia marker, and fraction of hypoxic tissue (HFPim), density of CD31-positive microvessels (MVDCD31), and density of αSMA-positive microvessels (MVDαSMA) were measured. Parametric images of Ktrans and ve were derived from the DCE-MRI data by using the Tofts pharmacokinetic model. BxPC-3 tumors showed increased HFPim, decreased MVDCD31, unchanged MVDαSMA, and increased vessel maturation index (VMI = MVDαSMA/MVDCD31) after sunitinib treatment. The increase in VMI was seen because sunitinib induced selective pruning rather than maturation of αSMA-negative microvessels. Even though the microvessels in sunitinib-treated tumors were less abnormal than those in untreated tumors, this microvessel normalization did not improve the function of the microvascular network or normalize the tumor microenvironment. In Panc-1 tumors, HFPim, MVDCD31, MVDαSMA, and VMI were unchanged after sunitinib treatment. Median Ktrans increased with increasing MVDCD31 and decreased with increasing HFPim, and the correlations were similar for treated and untreated BXPC-3 and Panc-1 tumors. These observations suggest that sunitinib may induce significant changes in the microenvironment of PDACs, and furthermore, that Ktrans may be an adequate measure of tumor vascular density and hypoxia in untreated as well as sunitinib-treated PDACs.
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Key Words
- αsma, α smooth muscle actin
- angpt/tie, angiopoietin/tyrosine kinase with immunoglobulin-like and epidermal growth factor-like domains
- dce-mri, dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging
- fov, field of view
- he, hematoxylin and eosin
- hf, hypoxic fraction
- il-8/nf-κb, interleukin-8/nuclear factor-κb
- ktrans, volume transfer constant
- mvd, microvessel density
- pdac, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
- roi, region of interest
- te, echo time
- tr, repetition time
- ve, fractional distribution volume
- vegf/vegf-r, vascular endothelial growth factor/vegf-receptor
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine S Wegner
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anette Hauge
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trude G Simonsen
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jon-Vidar Gaustad
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lise Mari K Andersen
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Einar K Rofstad
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
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Gaustad JV, Simonsen TG, Andersen LMK, Rofstad EK. Properdistatin inhibits angiogenesis and improves vascular function in human melanoma xenografts with low thrombospondin-1 expression. Oncotarget 2018; 7:76806-76815. [PMID: 27756886 PMCID: PMC5363551 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, the effect of properdistatin, a novel peptide derived from the thrombospondin 1 (TSP-1) domain of properdin, was investigated in three melanoma xenograft models with different TSP-1 expression. The tumors were grown in dorsal window chambers and were treated with 80 mg/kg/day properdistatin or vehicle. Morphological parameters of the tumor vasculature were assessed from high resolution transillumination images. Blood supply time (i.e., the time required for arterial blood to flow from a supplying artery to downstream microvessels) and plasma velocities were assessed from first-pass imaging movies recorded after a bolus of fluorescence-labeled dextran had been administered intravenously. Gene and protein expression of TSP-1 were assessed with quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Properdistatin treatment inhibited angiogenesis in low TSP-1 expressing tumors but did not alter the vasculature in high TSP-1 expressing tumors. In low TSP-1 expressing tumors, properdistatin selectively removed small-diameter capillaries, but did not change the morphology of tumor arterioles or tumor venules. Properdistatin also reduced blood supply times and increased plasma velocities, implying that the treatment reduced the geometric resistance to blood flow and improved vascular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon-Vidar Gaustad
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trude G Simonsen
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lise Mari K Andersen
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Einar K Rofstad
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Rofstad EK, Huang R, Galappathi K, Andersen LMK, Wegner CS, Hauge A, Gaustad JV, Simonsen TG. Functional intratumoral lymphatics in patient-derived xenograft models of squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix: implications for lymph node metastasis. Oncotarget 2018; 7:56986-56997. [PMID: 27486768 PMCID: PMC5302967 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies of cell line-derived human tumor xenografts have suggested that the lymphatics seen in immunohistochemical preparations from non-peripheral regions of tumors are nonfunctional. In this investigation, lymphangiogenesis, hemangiogenesis, and lymph node metastasis were studied in patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of carcinoma of the uterine cervix. Lymph vessel density (LVD) and blood vessel density (BVD) were measured in immunohistochemical preparations. The expression of angiogenesis-related genes was investigated by quantitative PCR. Lymphatic functionality was assessed with the ferritin assay, and tumor interstitial fluid pressure (IFP) was measured with a Millar catheter. The PDX models mirrored the angiogenesis and aggressiveness of the donor patients' tumors, and two highly aggressive models developed functional lymphatics within the tumor mass. Tumors with functional intratumoral lymphatics showed low IFP, high LVD, high BVD, high expression of a large number of angiogenesis-related genes, and high incidence of lymph node metastases. LVD correlated with BVD, and lymph node metastasis was associated with high LVD and high BVD. Nine angiogenesis-related genes associated with the development of functional intratumoral lymhatics were identified. High expression of these genes, high LVD, and high BVD may be important biomarkers for poor outcome in cervix carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Einar K Rofstad
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ruixia Huang
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kanthi Galappathi
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lise Mari K Andersen
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Catherine S Wegner
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anette Hauge
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jon-Vidar Gaustad
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trude G Simonsen
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Wegner CS, Hauge A, Gaustad JV, Andersen LMK, Simonsen TG, Galappathi K, Rofstad EK. Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI of the microenvironment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma xenografts. Acta Oncol 2017; 56:1754-1762. [PMID: 28661213 DOI: 10.1080/0284186x.2017.1343494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive disease with poor outcome. Resistance to treatment is associated with impaired vascularity, extensive hypoxia, and interstitial hypertension. In this study, the potential of dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-MRI as a method for assessing the microvascular density (MVD), the fraction of hypoxic tissue, and the interstitial fluid pressure (IFP) of PDACs was investigated. MATERIAL AND METHODS Intramuscular BxPC-3, Capan-2, MIAPaCa-2, and Panc-1 PDAC xenografts were used as preclinical models of human PDACs. DCE-MRI with Gd-DOTA as contrast agent was conducted with a 7.05-T scanner, and the DCE-MRI series were analyzed voxelwise by using the Tofts pharmacokinetic model. Tumor MVD and hypoxia were measured in histological preparations by using pimonidazole as a hypoxia marker and CD31 as a marker of endothelial cells. IFP was measured with a Millar catheter. RESULTS Ktrans (the volume transfer constant of Gd-DOTA) increased with increasing MVD and decreased with increasing hypoxic fraction, but was not associated with IFP. Any association between ve (the fractional distribution volume of Gd-DOTA) and MVD, hypoxic fraction, or IFP could not be detected. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that DCE-MRI is a useful modality for assessing important features of the microenvironment of PDAC xenografts and thus provides the basis for future preclinical and clinical DCE-MRI investigations of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine S. Wegner
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anette Hauge
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jon-Vidar Gaustad
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lise Mari K. Andersen
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trude G. Simonsen
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kanthi Galappathi
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Einar K. Rofstad
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Hauge A, Wegner CS, Gaustad JV, Simonsen TG, Andersen LMK, Rofstad EK. Diffusion-weighted MRI-derived ADC values reflect collagen I content in PDX models of uterine cervical cancer. Oncotarget 2017; 8:105682-105691. [PMID: 29285283 PMCID: PMC5739670 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.22388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values derived from diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) are known to reflect the cellular environment of biological tissues. However, emerging evidence accentuates the influence of stromal elements on ADC values. The current study sought to elucidate whether a correlation exists between ADC and the fraction of collagen I-positive tissue across different tumor models of uterine cervical cancer. Early and late generation tumors of four patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of squamous cell carcinoma (BK-12, ED-15, HL-16, and LA-19) were included. DW-MRI was performed with diffusion encoding constants (b) of 200, 400, 700, and 1000 s/mm2 and diffusion gradient sensitization in three orthogonal directions. The fraction of collagen I-positive connective tissue was determined by immunohistochemistry. Mono-exponential decay curves, from which the ADC value of tumor voxels was calculated, yielded good fits to the diffusion data. A significant inverse correlation was detected between median tumor ADC and collagen I fraction across the four PDX models, indicating that collagen fibers in the extracellular space have the ability to inhibit the movement of water molecules in these xenografts. The results encourage further exploration of DW-MRI as a non-invasive imaging method for characterizing the stromal microenvironment of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anette Hauge
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Catherine S. Wegner
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jon-Vidar Gaustad
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trude G. Simonsen
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lise Mari K. Andersen
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Einar K. Rofstad
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Gaustad JV, Simonsen TG, Andersen LMK, Rofstad EK. Vascular abnormalities and development of hypoxia in microscopic melanoma xenografts. J Transl Med 2017; 15:241. [PMID: 29183378 PMCID: PMC5706333 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-017-1347-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Studies investigating the oxygenation status and the development of hypoxia in microscopic tumors are sparse. The purpose of this study was to measure the extent of hypoxia in microscopic melanoma xenografts and to search for possible mechanisms leading to the development of hypoxia in these tumors. Methods A-07, D-12, R-18, and U-25 human melanoma xenografts grown in dorsal window chambers or as flank tumors were used as preclinical tumor models. Morphologic and functional parameters of vascular networks were assessed with intravital microscopy, and the expression of angiogenesis-related genes was assessed with quantitative PCR. Microvessels, pericytes, and the extent of hypoxia were assessed by immunohistochemistry in microscopic tumors by using CD31, αSMA, and pimonidazole as markers, and the extent of radiobiological hypoxia was assessed in macroscopic flank tumors. Results Macroscopic R-18 and U-25 tumors showed extensive hypoxia, whereas macroscopic A-07 and D-12 tumors were less hypoxic. R-18 and U-25 tumors developed hypoxic regions before they reached a size of 2–3 mm in diameter, whereas A-07 and D-12 tumors of similar size did not show hypoxic regions. The development of hypoxic regions was not caused by low vessel density, but was rather a result of inadequate vascular function. Inadequate vascular function was not caused by low vessel diameters or long vessel segments, but was associated with poor vascular pericyte coverage. Poor pericyte coverage was associated with the expression of eight angiogenesis-related genes. Conclusions Two of the four investigated melanoma models developed hypoxic regions in microscopic tumors, and the development of hypoxia was associated with poor vascular pericyte coverage and inadequate vascular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon-Vidar Gaustad
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Montebello, 0310, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Trude G Simonsen
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Montebello, 0310, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lise Mari K Andersen
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Montebello, 0310, Oslo, Norway
| | - Einar K Rofstad
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Montebello, 0310, Oslo, Norway
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Hauge A, Wegner CS, Gaustad JV, Simonsen TG, Andersen LMK, Rofstad EK. DCE-MRI of patient-derived xenograft models of uterine cervix carcinoma: associations with parameters of the tumor microenvironment. J Transl Med 2017; 15:225. [PMID: 29100521 PMCID: PMC5670634 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-017-1331-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abnormalities in the tumor microenvironment are associated with resistance to treatment, aggressive growth, and poor clinical outcome in patients with advanced cervical cancer. The potential of dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI to assess the microvascular density (MVD), interstitial fluid pressure (IFP), and hypoxic fraction of patient-derived cervical cancer xenografts was investigated in the present study. METHODS Four patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix (BK-12, ED-15, HL-16, and LA-19) were subjected to Gd-DOTA-based DCE-MRI using a 7.05 T preclinical scanner. Parametric images of the volume transfer constant (K trans) and the fractional distribution volume (v e) of the contrast agent were produced by pharmacokinetic analyses utilizing the standard Tofts model. Whole tumor median values of the DCE-MRI parameters were compared with MVD and the fraction of hypoxic tumor tissue, as determined histologically, and IFP, as measured with a Millar catheter. RESULTS Both on the PDX model level and the single tumor level, a significant inverse correlation was found between K trans and hypoxic fraction. The extent of hypoxia was also associated with the fraction of voxels with unphysiological v e values (v e > 1.0). None of the DCE-MRI parameters were related to MVD or IFP. CONCLUSIONS DCE-MRI may provide valuable information on the hypoxic fraction of squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix, and thereby facilitate individualized patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anette Hauge
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, P. O. Box 4953 Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway
| | - Catherine S Wegner
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, P. O. Box 4953 Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jon-Vidar Gaustad
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, P. O. Box 4953 Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trude G Simonsen
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, P. O. Box 4953 Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lise Mari K Andersen
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, P. O. Box 4953 Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway
| | - Einar K Rofstad
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, P. O. Box 4953 Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway.
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17
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Andersen LMK, Wegner CS, Simonsen TG, Huang R, Gaustad JV, Hauge A, Galappathi K, Rofstad EK. Lymph node metastasis and the physicochemical micro-environment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma xenografts. Oncotarget 2017; 8:48060-48074. [PMID: 28624797 PMCID: PMC5564626 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.18231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients develop lymph node metastases early and have a particularly poor prognosis. The poor prognosis has been shown to be associated with the physicochemical microenvironment of the tumor tissue, which is characterized by desmoplasia, abnormal microvasculature, extensive hypoxia, and highly elevated interstitial fluid pressure (IFP). In this study, we searched for associations between lymph node metastasis and features of the physicochemical microenvironment in an attempt to identify mechanisms leading to metastatic dissemination and growth. BxPC-3 and Capan-2 PDAC xenografts were used as preclinical models of human PDAC. In both models, lymph node metastasis was associated with high IFP rather than high fraction of hypoxic tissue or high microvascular density. Seven angiogenesis-related genes associated with high IFP-associated lymph node metastasis were detected by quantitative PCR in each of the models, and these genes were all up-regulated in high IFP/highly metastatic tumors. Three genes were mutual for the BxPC-3 and Capan-2 models: transforming growth factor beta, angiogenin, and insulin-like growth factor 1. Further comprehensive studies are needed to determine whether there is a causal relationship between the up-regulation of these genes and high IFP and/or high propensity for lymph node metastasis in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Mari K. Andersen
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Catherine S. Wegner
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trude G. Simonsen
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ruixia Huang
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jon-Vidar Gaustad
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anette Hauge
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kanthi Galappathi
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Einar K. Rofstad
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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18
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Gaustad JV, Simonsen TG, Andersen LMK, Rofstad EK. Abstract 1801: Antiangiogenic agents targeting different angiogenic pathways have opposite effects on tumor hypoxia in R-18 human melanoma xenografts. Cancer Res 2017. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2017-1801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Studies comparing the effect of antiangiogenic agents targeting different angiogenic pathways are sparse. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of properdistatin and sunitinib treatment in a preclinical model of malignant melanoma. Properdistatin is a small peptide derived from the thrombospondin-1 domain of the plasma protein properdin, and sunitinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting several receptors including the vascular endothelial growth factor receptors.
Methods: R-18 human melanoma xenografts growing in dorsal window chambers were treated with properdistatin, sunitinib, or vehicle. Parameters describing the morphology of tumor vasculature were assessed from high-resolution transillumination images, and BST (blood supply time; the time needed for arterial blood to flow from the main supplying artery to downstream microvessels) was assessed from first-pass imaging movies recorded after a bolus of fluorescence-labeled dextran had been administered intravenously. Tumor hypoxia was assessed from immunohistochemical preparations of the imaged tissue by using pimonidazole as a hypoxia marker.
Results: Properdistatin treatment selectively removed small-diameter vessels and reduced BST, whereas sunitinib treatment reduced the density of small- and large-diameter vessel similarly and did not change BST. These observations imply that properdistatin treatment reduced geometric resistance to blood flow and improved vascular function, whereas sunitinib treatment did not affect vascular function. Accordingly, sunitinib-treated tumors showed higher hypoxic fractions than properdistatin-treated tumors.
Conclusions: Properdistatin and sunitinib both inhibited angiogenesis, but had distinctly different effects on vascular morphology, vascular function, and extent of hypoxia in R-18 human melanoma xenografts.
Citation Format: Jon-Vidar Gaustad, Trude G. Simonsen, Lise Mari K. Andersen, Einar K. Rofstad. Antiangiogenic agents targeting different angiogenic pathways have opposite effects on tumor hypoxia in R-18 human melanoma xenografts [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1801. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-1801
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon-Vidar Gaustad
- Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trude G. Simonsen
- Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Einar K. Rofstad
- Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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19
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Gaustad JV, Simonsen TG, Andersen LMK, Rofstad EK. Antiangiogenic agents targeting different angiogenic pathways have opposite effects on tumor hypoxia in R-18 human melanoma xenografts. BMC Cancer 2017; 17:411. [PMID: 28606060 PMCID: PMC5469039 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-017-3404-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Studies comparing the effect of antiangiogenic agents targeting different angiogenic pathways are sparse. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of properdistatin and sunitinib treatment in a preclinical model of malignant melanoma. Properdistatin is a small peptide derived from the thrombospondin-1 domain of the plasma protein properdin, and sunitinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting several receptors including the vascular endothelial growth factor receptors. Methods R-18 human melanoma xenografts growing in dorsal window chambers were treated with properdistatin, sunitinib, or vehicle. Parameters describing the morphology of tumor vasculature were assessed from high-resolution transillumination images, and BST (blood supply time; the time needed for arterial blood to flow from the main supplying artery to downstream microvessels) was assessed from first-pass imaging movies recorded after a bolus of fluorescence-labeled dextran had been administered intravenously. Tumor hypoxia was assessed from immunohistochemical preparations of the imaged tissue by using pimonidazole as a hypoxia marker. Results Properdistatin treatment selectively removed small-diameter vessels and reduced BST, whereas sunitinib treatment reduced the density of small- and large-diameter vessel similarly and did not change BST. These observations imply that properdistatin treatment reduced geometric resistance to blood flow and improved vascular function, whereas sunitinib treatment did not affect vascular function. Accordingly, sunitinib-treated tumors showed higher hypoxic fractions than properdistatin-treated tumors. Conclusions Properdistatin and sunitinib both inhibited angiogenesis, but had distinctly different effects on vascular morphology, vascular function, and extent of hypoxia in R-18 human melanoma xenografts. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12885-017-3404-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon-Vidar Gaustad
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Trude G Simonsen
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lise Mari K Andersen
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Einar K Rofstad
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) may provide prognostic biomarkers for cervix carcinoma. We have shown previously that the early phase of the signal intensity-versus-time curve (SITC) may have significant prognostic power. The purpose of the present investigation was to explore the prognostic value of the late phase of the SITC. MATERIAL AND METHODS DCE-MRI data of 80 patients (FIGO stage IB-IVA) treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy were examined. Four parameters were calculated from the late-phase SITC: tumor volume with decreasing signal, tumor fraction with decreasing signal, tumor volume with increasing signal (TVIS), and tumor fraction with increasing signal. RESULTS Multivariate analysis involving clinical parameters and late-phase SITC parameters suggested that TVIS is a strong independent prognostic factor for both disease-free and overall survival. When early-phase SITC parameters were included in the multivariate analysis, the early-phase SITC, but not the late-phase SITC, was found to have independent prognostic value. CONCLUSION The late-phase SITC can provide prognostic factors for the outcome of cervix carcinoma, that is, a large tumor volume with increasing late-phase SITCs is associated with poor outcome. However, the prognostic power of the late-phase SITC is not as strong as that of the early-phase SITC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kjersti V. Lund
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trude G. Simonsen
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gunnar B. Kristensen
- Department of Gynecological Cancer, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute for Cancer Genetics and Informatics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute for Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Einar K. Rofstad
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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21
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Gaustad JV, Simonsen TG, Andersen LMK, Rofstad EK. The Effect of Sunitinib Treatment in Human Melanoma Xenografts: Associations with Angiogenic Profiles. Transl Oncol 2017; 10:158-167. [PMID: 28167241 PMCID: PMC5293738 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2016.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Revised: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The effect of antiangiogenic agents targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) pathway has been reported to vary substantially in preclinical studies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of sunitinib treatment on tumor vasculature and oxygenation in melanoma xenografts with different angiogenic profiles. A-07, U-25, D-12, or R-18 melanoma xenografts were grown in dorsal window chambers and given daily treatments of sunitinib (40 mg/kg) or vehicle. Morphologic parameters of tumor vascular networks were assessed from high-resolution transillumination images, and tumor blood supply times (BSTs) were assessed from first-pass imaging movies. Tumor hypoxia was assessed with immunohistochemistry by using pimonidazole as hypoxia marker, and the gene expression and the protein secretion rate of angiogenic factors were assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. The melanoma lines differed substantially in the expression of VEGF-A, VEGF-C, and platelet-derived growth factor A. Sunitinib treatment reduced vessel densities and induced hypoxia in all melanoma lines, and the magnitude of the effect was associated with the gene expression and protein secretion rate of VEGF-A. Sunitinib treatment also increased vessel segment lengths, reduced the number of small-diameter vessels, and inhibited growth-induced increases in the diameter of surviving vessels but did not change BST. In conclusion, sunitinib treatment did not improve vascular function but reduced vessel density and induced hypoxia in human melanoma xenografts. The magnitude of the treatment-induced effect was associated with the VEGF-A expression of the melanoma lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon-Vidar Gaustad
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Trude G Simonsen
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lise Mari K Andersen
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Einar K Rofstad
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Gaustad JV, Simonsen TG, Andersen LMK, Rofstad EK. Abstract B14: The effect of sunitinib treatment in human melanoma xenografts: Associations with angiogenic profiles. Cancer Res 2017. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.epso16-b14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The effect of antiangiogenic agents targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) pathway has been reported to vary substantially in preclinical studies. Treatments with these agents have induced substantial reductions in vessel density in some tumor models, and minor or no reductions in vessel density in others. Additionally, the treatments have improved vascular function and oxygenation in some tumor models, and induced hypoxia in others. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of sunitinib treatment on the morphology and function of tumor vasculature in melanoma xenografts with different angiogenic profiles.
A-07, U-25, D-12, and R-18 melanoma xenografts grown in dorsal window chambers were used as preclinical tumor models. Tumor-bearing mice were treated with sunitinib (40 mg/kg/day) or vehicle. Morphologic parameters of tumor vascular networks were assessed from high-resolution transillumination images, and tumor blood supply times were assessed from first-pass imaging movies recorded after a bolus of 155 kD tetramethylrhodamine isothiocyanate-labeled dextran was injected intravenously. Tumor hypoxia was assessed in immunohistochemical preparations by using pimonidazole as hypoxia marker, and the gene expression and the protein secretion rate of angiogenic factors were assessed by quantitative PCR and ELISA, respectively.
The melanoma lines differed substantially in the expression of VEGF-A, VEGF-C, and platelet-derived growth factor A. Sunitinib treatment reduced vessel densities and induced hypoxia in all melanoma lines, and the magnitude of the effect was associated with the gene expression and protein secretion rate of VEGF-A. Sunitinib treatment also increased vessel segment lengths, reduced the number of small-diameter vessels, and inhibited growth-induced increases in the diameter of surviving vessels, but did not affect blood supply times.
In conclusion, sunitinib treatment did not improve vascular function but reduced vessel density and induced hypoxia in human melanoma xenografts. The magnitude of the treatment-induced effect was associated with the angiogenic profiles of the melanoma lines.
Citation Format: Jon-Vidar Gaustad, Trude G. Simonsen, Lise Mari K. Andersen, Einar K. Rofstad. The effect of sunitinib treatment in human melanoma xenografts: Associations with angiogenic profiles. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Engineering and Physical Sciences in Oncology; 2016 Jun 25-28; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(2 Suppl):Abstract nr B14.
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Wegner CS, Gaustad JV, Andersen LMK, Simonsen TG, Rofstad EK. Diffusion-weighted and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI of pancreatic adenocarcinoma xenografts: associations with tumor differentiation and collagen content. J Transl Med 2016; 14:161. [PMID: 27268062 PMCID: PMC4897888 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-016-0920-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aggressiveness of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is highly dependent on the level of differentiation and the composition of the stroma. In this preclinical study, we investigated the potential of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) as noninvasive methods for providing information on the differentiation and the stroma of PDACs. METHODS Xenografted tumors initiated from four PDAC cell lines (BxPC-3, Capan-2, MIAPaCa-2, and Panc-1) were included in the study. DW-MRI and DCE-MRI were carried out on a 7.05-T MR scanner, and tumor images of ADC (the apparent diffusion coefficient), K (trans) (the volume transfer constant of Gd-DOTA), and v e (the fractional distribution volume of Gd-DOTA) were produced. The level of differentiation and the amount and structure of collagen I and collagen IV were determined by examining histological preparations. RESULTS Differentiated tumors showed lower levels of collagen I and collagen IV than non-differentiated tumors. Significant correlations were found between ADC and v e, and both parameters differentiated clearly between collagen-rich non-differentiated tumors and differentiated tumors containing less collagen. CONCLUSION Differentiated PDAC xenografts show higher ADC values and higher v e values than their non-differentiated counterparts. This observation supports the application of parametric MR images as tumor biomarkers in PDAC. Patients showing low values of ADC and v e most likely have non-differentiated tumors with extensive stroma and, hence, poor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine S. Wegner
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Box 4953, Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Jon-Vidar Gaustad
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Box 4953, Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Lise Mari K. Andersen
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Box 4953, Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Trude G. Simonsen
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Box 4953, Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Einar K. Rofstad
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Box 4953, Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway
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Simonsen TG, Gaustad JV, Rofstad EK. Intracranial Tumor Cell Migration and the Development of Multiple Brain Metastases in Malignant Melanoma. Transl Oncol 2016; 9:211-8. [PMID: 27267839 PMCID: PMC4907985 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2016.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2016] [Revised: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 04/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A majority of patients with melanoma brain metastases develop multiple lesions, and these patients show particularly poor prognosis. To develop improved treatment strategies, detailed insights into the biology of melanoma brain metastases, and particularly the development of multiple lesions, are needed. The purpose of this preclinical investigation was to study melanoma cell migration within the brain after cell injection into a well-defined intracerebral site. METHODS A-07, D-12, R-18, and U-25 human melanoma cells transfected with green fluorescent protein were injected stereotactically into the right cerebral hemisphere of nude mice. Moribund mice were killed and autopsied, and the brain was evaluated by fluorescence imaging or histological examination. RESULTS Intracerebral inoculation of melanoma cells produced multiple lesions involving all regions of the brain, suggesting that the cells were able to migrate over substantial distances within the brain. Multiple modes of transport were identified, and all transport modes were observed in all four melanoma lines. Thus, the melanoma cells were passively transported via the flow of cerebrospinal fluid in the meninges and ventricles, they migrated actively along leptomeningeal and brain parenchymal blood vessels, and they migrated actively along the surfaces separating different brain compartments. CONCLUSION Migration of melanoma cells after initial arrest, extravasation, and growth at a single location within the brain may contribute significantly to the development of multiple melanoma brain metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trude G Simonsen
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jon-Vidar Gaustad
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Einar K Rofstad
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
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Rofstad EK, Simonsen TG, Huang R, Andersen LMK, Galappathi K, Ellingsen C, Wegner CS, Hauge A, Gaustad JV. Patient-derived xenograft models of squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix. Cancer Lett 2016; 373:147-55. [PMID: 26828134 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2016.01.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Revised: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of cancer are considered to reflect the biology and treatment response of human tumors to a larger extent than xenograft models initiated from established cell lines. The characterization of a panel of four novel PDX models of cervical carcinoma of the uterine cervix is described in this communication. The outcome of treatment differed substantially among the donor patients, and the PDX models were found to mirror the histology, aggressiveness, and metastatic propensity of the donor patients' tumors. Two of the models (BK-12 and LA-19) were highly metastatic, one model (ED-15) was poorly metastatic, and one model (HL-16) was non-metastatic. The primary tumors of the two highly metastatic models showed high density of intratumoral lymphatics, whereas the other two models did not develop intratumoral lymphatics. The potential of the models to metastasize to lymph nodes was associated with high expression of both angiogenesis-related genes and cancer stem cell-related genes. The models may be highly valuable for studying mechanisms linking lymph node metastasis to lymphangiogenesis, hemangiogenesis, and the presence of cancer stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Einar K Rofstad
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Trude G Simonsen
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ruixia Huang
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lise Mari K Andersen
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kanthi Galappathi
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Christine Ellingsen
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Catherine S Wegner
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anette Hauge
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jon-Vidar Gaustad
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Simonsen TG, Gaustad JV, Rofstad EK. Intertumor heterogeneity in vascularity and invasiveness of artificial melanoma brain metastases. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2015; 34:150. [PMID: 26667022 PMCID: PMC4678615 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-015-0264-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Patients diagnosed with melanoma brain metastases have few treatment options and poor prognosis, and improved treatment strategies for these patients require detailed understanding of the underlying pathobiology. In this investigation we studied the vascularity and invasiveness of artificial brain metastases established from four human melanoma cell lines. Methods A-07, D-12, R-18, and U-25 cells transfected with GFP were injected intracerebrally and intra-arterially in nude mice. Moribund mice were killed and autopsied, and the brain was evaluated by fluorescence imaging or by histological examination. Expression and secretion of factors involved in angiogenesis and invasion were assessed by quantitative PCR, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry. Results The melanoma cells grew preferentially in the meninges and ventricles after intracerebral and intra-arterial injection. Intertumor heterogeneity in the aggressiveness of meningeal tumors reflected differences in angiogenic activity and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and interleukin 8 (IL-8). In contrast, growth and invasion of the brain parenchyma relied primarily on vascular co-option. The cell lines showed different patterns of invasion from meninges to the scull and from meninges to the brain parenchyma, and these differences were associated with differences in expression of the matrix metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MMP-9. Furthermore, the melanoma cells produced multiple brain lesions after intracerebral implantation by using the meningeal linings of the brain as transport routes. Conclusions The melanoma cell lines showed different growth patterns in the brain, and these differences were associated with differences in expression of the angiogenic factors VEGF-A and IL-8 and the matrix metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MMP-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trude G Simonsen
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Jon-Vidar Gaustad
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Einar K Rofstad
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
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Gaustad JV, Simonsen TG, Hompland T, Andersen LMK, Rofstad EK. Abstract A03: Vascular function affected fundamentally different by different antiangiogenic agents. Mol Cancer Ther 2015. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-8514.tumang15-a03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The purpose of this preclinical study was to investigate the effect of two antiangiogenic agents, properdistatin and sunitinib, on the morphology and function of tumor vasculature. Properdistatin is a novel peptide derived from the thrombospondin-1 domain of the plasma protein properdin. Properdistatin treatment has been shown to inhibit angiogenesis and tumor growth in breast cancer xenografts. Sunitinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that interacts with several receptors including vascular endothelial growth factor receptors 1-3, and platelet-derived growth factor receptors α-β. Sunitinib treatment has been shown to inhibit angiogenesis and tumor growth in a number of tumor models, and has been approved clinically for several indications.
A-07 human melanoma xenografts grown in dorsal window chambers or as intradermal flank tumors were used as preclinical tumor model. In window chamber tumors, morphologic parameters of tumor vascular networks were assessed from high-resolution transillumination images, and blood supply time and plasma velocities were assessed from first-pass imaging movies recorded after a bolus of 155kDa tetramethylrhodamine isothiocyanate-labeled dextran had been administered intravenously. In flank tumors, parametric images of ADC and Ktrans were produced from diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI). Tumor hypoxia and necrosis were assessed from immunohistochemical preparations of the imaged tissue, and tumor interstitial fluid pressure (IFP) was assessed with probe measurement.
Properdistatin treatment reduced the density of small-diameter vessels, reduced blood supply time, and increased plasma velocities, whereas sunitinib treatment did not alter blood supply time, reduced overall vessel density, induced tumor hypoxia and necrosis, and did not alter tumor IFP. Sunitinib-treated flank tumors showed reduced Ktrans values corresponding to a decrease in vessel density, and increased ADC values corresponding to induction of tumor necrosis.
In conclusion, properdistatin treatment improved vascular function, whereas sunitinib treatment did not improve vascular function but induced tumor hypoxia and necrosis in A-07 tumors. This data demonstrates that different antiangiogenic agents may affect vascular function fundamentally different in the same tumor model. DW-MRI and DCE-MRI were sensitive to the sunitinib-induced changes in the tumor microenvironment, demonstrating that these MR-techniques may be used to identify tumors where antiangiogenic treatment does not improve vascular function.
Citation Format: Jon-Vidar Gaustad, Trude G. Simonsen, Tord Hompland, Lise Mari K. Andersen, Einar K. Rofstad. Vascular function affected fundamentally different by different antiangiogenic agents. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Tumor Angiogenesis and Vascular Normalization: Bench to Bedside to Biomarkers; Mar 5-8, 2015; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2015;14(12 Suppl):Abstract nr A03.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon-Vidar Gaustad
- Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trude G. Simonsen
- Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tord Hompland
- Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Einar K. Rofstad
- Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Gaustad JV, Simonsen TG, Smistad R, Wegner CS, Andersen LMK, Rofstad EK. Early effects of low dose bevacizumab treatment assessed by magnetic resonance imaging. BMC Cancer 2015; 15:900. [PMID: 26573613 PMCID: PMC4647606 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-015-1918-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2015] [Accepted: 11/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Antiangiogenic treatments have been shown to increase blood perfusion and oxygenation in some experimental tumors, and to reduce blood perfusion and induce hypoxia in others. The purpose of this preclinical study was to investigate the potential of dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) and diffusion weighted MRI (DW-MRI) in assessing early effects of low dose bevacizumab treatment, and to investigate intratumor heterogeneity in this effect. Methods A-07 and R-18 human melanoma xenografts, showing high and low expression of VEGF-A, respectively, were used as tumor models. Untreated and bevacizumab-treated tumors were subjected to DCE-MRI and DW-MRI before treatment, and twice during a 7-days treatment period. Tumor images of Ktrans (the volume transfer constant of Gd-DOTA) and ve (the fractional distribution volume of Gd-DOTA) were produced by pharmacokinetic analysis of the DCE-MRI data, and tumor images of ADC (the apparent diffusion coefficient) were produced from DW-MRI data. Results Untreated A-07 tumors showed higher Ktrans, ve, and ADC values than untreated R-18 tumors. Untreated tumors showed radial heterogeneity in Ktrans, i.e., Ktrans was low in central tumor regions and increased gradually towards the tumor periphery. After the treatment, bevacizumab-treated A-07 tumors showed lower Ktrans values than untreated A-07 tumors. Peripherial tumor regions showed substantial reductions in Ktrans, whereas little or no effect was seen in central regions. Consequently, the treatment altered the radial heterogeneity in Ktrans. In R-18 tumors, significant changes in Ktrans were not observed. Treatment induced changes in tumor size, ve, and ADC were not seen in any of the tumor lines. Conclusions Early effects of low dose bevacizumab treatment may be highly heterogeneous within tumors and can be detected with DCE-MRI. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12885-015-1918-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon-Vidar Gaustad
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Trude G Simonsen
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Ragnhild Smistad
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Catherine S Wegner
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Lise Mari K Andersen
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Einar K Rofstad
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
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Lund KV, Simonsen TG, Hompland T, Kristensen GB, Rofstad EK. Short-term pretreatment DCE-MRI in prediction of outcome in locally advanced cervical cancer. Radiother Oncol 2015; 115:379-85. [PMID: 25998804 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2015.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2014] [Revised: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 05/01/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Several investigators have indicated that dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) has the potential to provide biomarkers for personalized treatment of cervical carcinoma. However, some clinical studies have suggested that treatment failure is associated with low tumor signal enhancement, whereas others have reported associations between high signal enhancement and poor outcome. The purpose of this investigation was to clear up these conflicting reports and to provide a method for identifying biomarkers that easily can be implemented in routine DCE-MRI diagnostics. METHODS The study involved 85 patients (FIGO stage IB through IVA) treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Low-enhancing tumor volume (LETV) and low-enhancing tumor fraction (LETF), defined as the volume and fractional volume of low-enhancing voxels, respectively, were calculated from signal intensities recorded within 1 min after contrast administration by using two methods reported to give conflicting conclusions. RESULTS Multivariate analysis involving tumor volume, lymph node status, FIGO stage, and LETV or LETF revealed that LETV and LETF provided independent prognostic information on treatment outcome, independent of the method of calculation. CONCLUSION Low signal enhancement is associated with poor prognosis in cervical carcinoma, and biomarkers predicting poor outcome can be provided by short-term DCE-MRI without advanced image analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kjersti V Lund
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Norway; Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Norway
| | - Trude G Simonsen
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Norway
| | - Tord Hompland
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Norway
| | - Gunnar B Kristensen
- Department of Gynecological Cancer, Norway; Institute for Cancer Genetics and Informatics, Oslo University Hospital, Norway; Institute for Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Einar K Rofstad
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Norway.
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Gaustad JV, Pozdniakova V, Hompland T, Simonsen TG, Rofstad EK. Magnetic resonance imaging identifies early effects of sunitinib treatment in human melanoma xenografts. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2013; 32:93. [PMID: 24245934 PMCID: PMC4176286 DOI: 10.1186/1756-9966-32-93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2013] [Accepted: 11/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antiangiogenic treatment may change the tumor microenvironment and hence influence the effect of conventional therapies. The potential of diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) and dynamic contrast enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) in assessing microenvironmental effects of sunitinib treatment was investigated in this preclinical study. METHODS Sunitinib-treated and untreated A-07 tumors were subjected to DW-MRI and DCE-MRI, and parametric images of ADC and Ktrans were produced. Microvascular density, hypoxic fraction, and necrotic fraction were assessed from immunohistochemical preparations, and tumor interstitial fluid pressure (IFP) was assessed with probe measurement. RESULTS Sunitinib-treated tumors showed reduced microvascular density, increased hypoxic fraction, increased necrotic fraction, increased ADC, and reduced Ktrans, but did not differ from untreated tumors in growth rate and IFP. CONCLUSIONS Sunitinib treatment affected the tumor microenvironment without affecting tumor size. DW-MRI and DCE-MRI were sensitive to the sunitinib-induced changes in the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon-Vidar Gaustad
- Department of Radiation Biology, Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Montebello, Oslo N-0310, Norway.
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Simonsen TG, Gaustad JV, Leinaas MN, Rofstad EK. Tumor-line specific causes of intertumor heterogeneity in blood supply in human melanoma xenografts. Microvasc Res 2012; 85:16-23. [PMID: 23149341 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2012.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2012] [Revised: 10/30/2012] [Accepted: 11/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The efficacy of most cancer treatments is strongly influenced by the tumor blood supply. The results of experimental studies using xenografted tumors to evaluate novel cancer treatments may therefore vary considerably depending on the blood supply of the specific tumor model being used. Mechanisms underlying intertumor heterogeneity in the blood supply of xenografted tumors derived from same tumor line are poorly understood, and were investigated here by using intravital microscopy to assess tumor blood supply and vascular morphology in human melanomas growing in dorsal window chambers in BALB/c nu/nu mice. Two melanoma lines, A-07 and R-18, were included in the study. These lines differed substantially in angiogenic profiles. Thus, when the expression of 84 angiogenesis-related genes was investigated with a quantitative PCR array, 25% of these genes showed more than a 10-fold difference in expression. Furthermore, A-07 tumors showed higher vascular density, higher vessel tortuosity, higher vessel diameters, shorter vessel segments, and more chaotic vascular architecture than R-18 tumors. Both lines showed large intertumor heterogeneity in blood supply. In the A-07 line, tumors with low microvascular density, long vessel segment, and high vessel tortuosity showed poor blood supply, whereas in the R-18 line, poor tumor blood supply was associated with low tumor arteriolar diameters. Thus, tumor-line specific causes of intertumor heterogeneity in blood supply were identified in human melanoma xenografts, and these tumor-line specific mechanisms were possibly a result of tumor-line specific angiogenic profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trude G Simonsen
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
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Simonsen TG, Gaustad JV, Leinaas MN, Rofstad EK. Vascular abnormalities associated with acute hypoxia in human melanoma xenografts. Radiother Oncol 2012; 105:72-8. [PMID: 23022175 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2012.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2012] [Revised: 07/23/2012] [Accepted: 08/14/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The fraction of hypoxic cells has been shown to differ substantially among human tumors of the same histological type. In this study, a window chamber model was used to identify possible mechanisms leading to the development of highly different hypoxic fractions in A-07 and R-18 human melanoma xenografts. MATERIALS AND METHODS Chronic and acute hypoxia was assessed in intradermal tumors using an immunohistochemical and a radiobiological assay. Functional and morphological parameters of the vascular networks of tumors growing in dorsal window chambers were assessed with intravital microscopy. RESULTS R-18 tumors showed significantly higher hypoxic fractions than A-07 tumors, and the difference was mostly due to acute hypoxia. Compared to A-07 tumors, R-18 tumors showed low vascular densities, low vessel diameters, long vessel segments, low blood flow velocities, frequent fluctuations in blood flow, and a high fraction of narrow vessels with absent or very low and varying flux of red blood cells. CONCLUSION The high fraction of acute hypoxia in R-18 tumors was a consequence of frequent fluctuations in blood flow and red blood cell flux combined with low vascular density. The fluctuations were most likely caused by high geometric resistance to blood flow in the tumor microvasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trude G Simonsen
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Norway.
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Gaustad JV, Simonsen TG, Leinaas MN, Rofstad EK. Sunitinib treatment does not improve blood supply but induces hypoxia in human melanoma xenografts. BMC Cancer 2012; 12:388. [PMID: 22947392 PMCID: PMC3489843 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-12-388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2012] [Accepted: 08/31/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Antiangiogenic agents that disrupt the vascular endothelial growth factor pathway have been demonstrated to normalize tumor vasculature and improve tumor oxygenation in some studies and to induce hypoxia in others. The aim of this preclinical study was to investigate the effect of sunitinib treatment on the morphology and function of tumor vasculature and on tumor oxygenation. Methods A-07-GFP and R-18-GFP human melanoma xenografts grown in dorsal window chambers were used as preclinical tumor models. Morphologic parameters of tumor vascular networks were assessed from high-resolution transillumination images, and tumor blood supply time was assessed from first-pass imaging movies recorded after a bolus of 155 kDa tetramethylrhodamine isothiocyanate-labeled dextran had been administered intravenously. Tumor hypoxia was assessed from immunohistochemical preparations of the imaged tissue by use of pimonidazole as a hypoxia marker. Results Sunitinib treatment reduced vessel densities, increased vessel segment lengths, did not affect blood supply times, and increased hypoxic area fractions. Conclusion Sunitinib treatment did not improve vascular function but induced hypoxia in A-07-GFP and R-18-GFP tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon-Vidar Gaustad
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Montebello, Norway.
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Simonsen TG, Gaustad JV, Leinaas MN, Rofstad EK. High interstitial fluid pressure is associated with tumor-line specific vascular abnormalities in human melanoma xenografts. PLoS One 2012; 7:e40006. [PMID: 22768196 PMCID: PMC3386940 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0040006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2011] [Accepted: 05/30/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Interstitial fluid pressure (IFP) is highly elevated in many solid tumors. High IFP has been associated with low radiocurability and high metastatic frequency in human melanoma xenografts and with poor survival after radiation therapy in cervical cancer patients. Abnormalities in tumor vascular networks have been identified as an important cause of elevated tumor IFP. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between tumor IFP and the functional and morphological properties of tumor vascular networks. Materials and Methods A-07-GFP and R-18-GFP human melanomas growing in dorsal window chambers in BALB/c nu/nu mice were used as preclinical tumor models. Functional and morphological parameters of the vascular network were assessed from first-pass imaging movies and vascular maps recorded after intravenous bolus injection of 155-kDa tetramethylrhodamine isothiocyanate-labeled dextran. IFP was measured in the center of the tumors using a Millar catheter. Angiogenic profiles of A-07-GFP and R-18-GFP cells were obtained with a quantitative PCR array. Results High IFP was associated with low growth rate and low vascular density in A-07-GFP tumors, and with high growth rate and high vascular density in R-18-GFP tumors. A-07-GFP tumors showed chaotic and highly disorganized vascular networks, while R-18-GFP tumors showed more organized vascular networks with supplying arterioles in the tumor center and draining venules in the tumor periphery. Furthermore, A-07-GFP and R-18-GFP cells differed substantially in angiogenic profiles. A-07-GFP tumors with high IFP showed high geometric resistance to blood flow due to high vessel tortuosity. R-18-GFP tumors with high IFP showed high geometric resistance to blood flow due to a large number of narrow tumor capillaries. Conclusions High IFP in A-07-GFP and R-18-GFP human melanoma xenografts was primarily a consequence of high blood flow resistance caused by tumor-line specific vascular abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trude G Simonsen
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
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Gaustad JV, Simonsen TG, Leinaas MN, Rofstad EK. A novel application of dorsal window chambers: Repetitive imaging of tumor-associated lymphatics. Microvasc Res 2012; 83:360-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2012.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2011] [Revised: 01/19/2012] [Accepted: 02/01/2012] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Simonsen TG, Gaustad JV, Rofstad EK. Development of hypoxia in a preclinical model of tumor micrometastases. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2010; 76:879-88. [PMID: 20159362 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2009.09.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2009] [Revised: 08/27/2009] [Accepted: 09/26/2009] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hypoxic regions have been shown to be a characteristic feature of a wide variety of human primary tumors, whereas the oxygenation status of subclinical micrometastases is in general unknown. The development of hypoxia in a xenograft model of microscopic metastases was investigated in this study. METHODS AND MATERIALS U-25-GFP human melanomas growing in dorsal window chamber preparations in BALB/c nu/nu mice were used as a preclinical model of micrometastases. Tumor blood supply time and morphologic parameters of the vascular network were determined from first-pass imaging movies and vascular maps recorded by use of 155-kDa tetramethylrhodamine isothiocyanate-labeled dextran as a vascular tracer. Tumor hypoxia was assessed from immunohistochemical preparations of the imaged tissue by use of pimonidazole as a hypoxia marker. RESULTS Nearly half of the tumors had developed hypoxic regions when they reached a diameter of 2 to 3 mm. Tumors with multiple hypoxic foci showed a low growth rate, low blood flow velocity, high vessel tortuosity, high vessel segment length, and high vascular density, whereas tumors with a single hypoxic region showed a high growth rate, high blood flow velocity, low vessel tortuosity, low vessel segment length, and low vascular density. The tumors with hypoxic regions did not differ from those without hypoxia in any single parameter. CONCLUSIONS U-25-GFP xenograft models of vascularized human tumor micrometastases may develop hypoxic regions as a consequence of two distinctly different morphologic abnormalities in the vascular network: high resistance against blood flow (i.e., high vessel tortuosity and high vessel segment length) or low vascular density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trude G Simonsen
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Egeland TAM, Simonsen TG, Gaustad JV, Gulliksrud K, Ellingsen C, Rofstad EK. Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Tumors: Preclinical Validation of Parametric Images. Radiat Res 2009; 172:339-47. [DOI: 10.1667/rr1787.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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