Conclusion
This study demonstrates that DCE-MRI is an effective tool for early evaluation of PDT tumor treatment.
Methods
DCE-MRI at 7 T was used to measure the micro-vascular status of subcutaneous colon carcinoma tumors before, right after, and 24 h after PDT in mice. Maps of the area under the curve (AUC) of the contrast agent concentration were calculated from the DCE-MRI data. Besides, tracer kinetic parameters including Ktrans were calculated using the standard Tofts-Kermode model. Viability of tumor tissue at 24 h after PDT was assessed by histological analysis.
Results
PDT led to drastic decreases in AUC and Ktrans or complete loss of enhancement immediately after treatment, indicating a vascular shutdown in treated tumor regions. Histological analysis demonstrated that the treatment induced extensive necrosis in the tumors. For PDT-treated tumors, the viable tumor fraction showed a strong correlation (ρ ≥ 0.85) with the tumor fraction with Ktrans > 0.05 min-1 right after PDT. The viable tumor fraction also correlated strongly with the enhanced fraction, the average Ktrans , and the fraction with Ktrans > 0.05 min-1 at 24 h after PDT. Images of the viability stained tumor sections were registered to the DCE-MRI data, demonstrating a good spatial agreement between regions with Ktrans > 0.05 min-1 and viable tissue regions. Finally, 3D post-treatment viability detection maps were constructed for the tumors of three mice by applying a threshold (0.05 min-1) to Ktrans at 24 h after PDT. As a proof of principle, these maps were compared to actual tumor progression after one week. Complete tumor response was correctly assessed in one animal, while residual viable tumor tissue was detected in the other two at the locations where residual tumor tissue was observed after one week.