Daniel C. Colvin1, Mary E. Loveless1, Mark D. Does1, Zou Yue1, Thomas E. Yankeelov2, John C. Gore1
1Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Nashville, TN, USA; 2Vanderbilt University Insitute of Imaging Science, Nashville, TN, USA
Diffusion-weighted MRI is a noninvasive imaging technique commonly used to quantify the rate of water diffusion within cancerous tissues. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in tissue reflects the influence of cellular membranes and subcellular organelles which serve to restrict the molecular motion. Consequently, measurements of ADC are sensitive to changes in tissue microstructure and therefore serve as a useful tool in evaluting tumor response to therapy. While conventional methods of measurement are capable of revealing changes in tumor cellularity, Oscillating Gradient Spin-Echo (OGSE) methods, which measure diffusion over much shorter time scales, reveal structural variations on an intracellular scale.
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