MRS and MRI Studies of the Structure and Function of Tumor interstitial Matrix
Abstract
The interstitial matrix creates a barrier to therapeutic agent delivery. To overcome this barrier we must study the matrix characteristics and the effect of manipulations and therapy. We proposed to establish the use of magnetic resonance (MR) methods for studying tumor interstitium. Our goals were to determine 1) by MR the collagen and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) concentration and diffusivity of small solutes in the interstitial matrix of mammary tumors, 2) the effect of antioestrogen therapy on the interstitial matrix in estrogen dependent mammary tumors and 3) the effect of enzymatic modulation and biological response modifiers on the interstitial matrix. In our initial studies the resolution of sodium MR was insufficient for estimating GAGs in tumor tissue because of high cellularity. We developed a proton MR technique involving the contrast agent Gd-DTPA2 and found that compared with sodium methods it was equally sensitive with a significantly improved resolution. However, in vitro matrices with high cell numbers the GAG estimates were not precise. Similarly, in tumors the lack of sensitivity of MR imaging prevented accurate measurements of GAG and collagen levels.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA368328
Entities
People
- Rakesh Jain
Organizations
- Massachusetts General Hospital