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Abstract #0985

Combining DCE-MRI & DW-MRI for Evaluating the Early Response of a Hypoxia-Activated Chemotherapy

Julio Cardenas1, Yuguo Li2, Christine a Howison3, Jean-Philippe Galons4, Amanda F Baker5, Mark D Pagel6

1Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States; 2Radiology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States; 3Arizona Research Laboratories, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States; 4Radiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States; 5Hematology/Oncology, Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States; 6Biomedical Engineering & Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States


We have used DCE-MRI and DW-MRI to investigate the biological response to TH-302, a hypoxia-activated bis-alkylating prodrug in a pre-clinical model of pancreatic cancer. As a consequence of TH-302 selective effects on poorly-vascularized tumor regions, we expected a change in DCE-MRI and/or DW-MRI. The results showed that TH-302 caused a change in tumor vasculature as measured with DCE-MRI, but did not change cell membrane integrity measured with DW-MRI. These effects were homogenous throughout the tumor. These results demonstrate advantages of combining DCE-MRI and DW-MRI for therapy studies.