Abstract #0818
MRI follow-up of monocyte/macrophages colonisation of a rat brain tumour
REMY C, BERNAUDIN M, PETIT E, ROUSSEL S, VALABLE S, BARBIER E
U594, Univ grenoble 1
As brain tumors are highly attractive for macrophages, these cells could be used as vectors for anti-tumoral therapy. We aimed to visualize by MRI if intravenously injected monocytes present the capacity of colonizing brain tumors. Monocytes were labeled with fluorescent and magnetic particles. FACS revealed that the labeling is near one hundred percent and that cells are not altered by the labeling. When intravenously injected, monocytes were attracted by the tumor itself. A cellular strategy using monocytes as vectors might be used to target the tumour. MRI could help following the fate of the cells and the efficacy of the treatment.