Measurements of tumor vascular leakiness using DCE in brain tumors: clinical applications

NMR Biomed. 2013 Aug;26(8):1042-9. doi: 10.1002/nbm.2994. Epub 2013 Jul 7.

Abstract

Various imaging techniques have been employed to evaluate blood-brain-barrier leakiness in brain tumors, as higher tumor vascular leakiness is known to be associated with higher grade and malignant potential of the tumor, and hence can help provide additional diagnostic and prognostic information. These imaging techniques range from routine post-contrast T1 -weighted images that highlight degree of contrast enhancement to absolute measurement of quantitative metrics of vascular leakiness employing complex pharmacokinetic modeling. The purpose of this article is to discuss the clinical applications of available imaging techniques, and in particular dynamic contrast-enhanced T1 -weighted MR imaging (DCE-MRI), to evaluate tumor vascular leakiness.

Keywords: blood-brain barrier; brain tumor; computed tomography; dynamic contrast-enhanced T1-weighted MR imaging (DCE-MRI); therapy; vascular endothelial growth factor; vascular perfusion; vascular permeability.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / pharmacokinetics
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Blood-Brain Barrier / physiopathology*
  • Brain Neoplasms / blood supply*
  • Brain Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain Neoplasms / therapy
  • Capillary Permeability*
  • Cerebrovascular Circulation*
  • Contrast Media* / administration & dosage
  • Contrast Media* / pharmacokinetics
  • Disease Progression
  • Forecasting
  • Glioma / blood supply*
  • Glioma / diagnostic imaging
  • Glioma / therapy
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Microcirculation
  • Neoplasm Grading / methods
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / drug therapy
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / pathology
  • Neuroimaging / methods*
  • Prognosis
  • Radiation Injuries / pathology
  • Radiotherapy / adverse effects
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Contrast Media