For 6 months, 32 mice, chemically treated to induce colorectal cancer, were followed with endoluminal MRI using dedicated endorectal coils. Based on high spatial resolution T1-weigthed images and T1-maps, quantified parameters (colon wall thickness and T1 relaxation time) were measured at each stage of the pathology from healthy tissues to cancer through inflammation. The colon wall thickness was found to be reliable in assessing early stages of the pathology (inflammation from infiltration), where the intrinsic contrast T1 time parameter was reliable for discerning infiltration from tumors. The two biomarkers provide complementary information in the characterization and staging of colorectal cancer.
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