Dynamic contrast-enhancedmicro-CTonmice with mammary carcinoma for the assessment of antiangiogenic therapy response

Objective To evaluate the potential of in vivo dynamic contrast-enhanced micro-computed tomography (DCE micro-CT) for the assessment of antiangiogenic drug therapy response of mice with mammary carcinoma. Methods 20 female mice with implanted MCF7 tumours were split into control group and therapy group treated with a known effective antiangiogenic drug. All mice underwent DCE micro- CT for the 3D analysis of functional parameters (relative blood volume [rBV], vascular permeability [K], area under the timeenhancement curve [AUC]) and morphology. All parameters were determined for total, peripheral and central tumour volumes of interest (VOIs). Immunohistochemistry was performed to characterise tumour vascularisation. 3D dose distributions were determined. Results The mean AUCs were significantly lower in therapy with P values of 0.012, 0.007 and 0.023 for total, peripheral and central tumour VOIs. K and rBV showed significant differences for the peripheral (Pper K=0.032, Pper rBV=0.029), but not for the total and central tumour VOIs (Ptotal K=0.108, Pcentral K=0.246, Ptotal rBV=0.093, Pcentral rBV=0.136). Mean tumour volume was significantly smaller in therapy (Pin vivo= 0.001, Pex vivo=0.005). Histology revealed greater vascularisation in the controls and central tumour necrosis. Doses ranged from 150 to 300 mGy. Conclusions This study indicates the great potential of DCE micro-CT for early in vivo assessment of antiangiogenic drug therapy response. Key Points.Dynamic contrast enhanced micro-CT (computed tomography) is a new experimental laboratory technique..DCE micro-CT allows early in vivo assessment of antiangiogenic drug therapy response..Pharmaceutical drugs can be tested before translation to clinical practice..Both morphological and functional parameters can be obtained using DCE micro-CT..Antiangiogenic effects can be visualised with DCE micro-CT. © European Society of Radiology 2011.