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Abstract #4294

Tracer Kinetic Parameters Derived from Quantitative Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI Correlate with VEGF Expression in Head-And-Neck Tumours

Stephanie B. Donaldson1,2, Guy Betts3, Suzie C. Bonington4, Catharine M.L West3, Lucy E. Kershaw2, David L. Buckley, 2,5

1North Western Medical Physics, Christie Hospital NHS Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom; 2Imaging Science and Biomedical Engineering, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; 3Academic Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; 4Department of Radiology, Christie Hospital NHS Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom; 5Division of Medical Physics, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom


Dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE-) MRI using a two-compartment exchange model (2CXM) can provide estimates of perfusion (Fb), microvessel permeability-surface area (PS), interstitial volume (ve) and blood volume (vb). DCE-MRI parameters correlate with VEGF expression, an initiator of angiogenesis and prognostic indicator, in a variety of tumours. Eight patients with head-and-neck cancer underwent high temporal-resolution DCE-MRI before surgery. Whole-tumour concentration-time curves were analysed using the 2CXM to estimate Fb, PS, ve, vb and plasma mean transit time. VEGF mRNA expression was measured at surgery. Fb, ve and PS correlated significantly with VEGF expression suggesting that DCE-MRI parameters may be indicative of angiogenesis.