Abstract #4804

Assessment of Tumor Microvasculature by a Kinetic Model Independent DCE-MRI Method Using a High Molecular Weight Contrast Agent

Wenlian Zhu¹, Yoshinori Kato¹, Shruthi Shankar¹, Zaver Bhujwalla¹, Dmitri Artemov¹

¹ICMIC Program, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States

The goal of this study is to identify a DCE-MRI method that can minimize the effect of water exchange and blood flow on the assessment of tumor microvasculature. This was achieved with a 3D FLASH method using a short recovery delay, a high flip angle, and non selective saturation pulses followed by crusher gradients. Such method can help to establish a reliable method to monitor tumor vascular response to therapy. Preliminary results are reported for a preclinical breast cancer model treated with bevacizumab.