Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI for monitoring antiangiogenic treatment: determination of accurate and reliable perfusion parameters in a longitudinal study of a mouse xenograft model

OBJECTIVE: To determine the reliable perfusion parameters in dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) for the monitoring antiangiogenic treatment in mice.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mice, with U-118 MG tumor, were treated with either saline (n = 3) or antiangiogenic agent (sunitinib, n = 8). Before (day 0) and after (days 2, 8, 15, 25) treatment, DCE examinations using correlations of perfusion parameters (Kep, Kel, and A(H) from two compartment model; time to peak, initial slope and % enhancement from time-intensity curve analysis) were evaluated.
RESULTS: Tumor growth rate was found to be 129% ± 28 in control group, -33% ± 11 in four mice with sunitinib-treatment (tumor regression) and 47% ± 15 in four with sunitinib-treatment (growth retardation). Kep (r = 0.80) and initial slope (r = 0.84) showed strong positive correlation to the initial tumor volume (p CONCLUSION: Kep and initial slope may a reliable parameters for monitoring the response of antiangiogenic treatment.