Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI perfusion parameters are imaging biomarkers for angiogenesis in lung cancer. (February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Du, Yonghao; Zhang, Shuo; Liang, Ting; Shang, Jin; Guo, Chenguang; Lian, Jie; Gong, Huilin; Yang, Jian; Niu, Gang
• Is Part Of: Acta radiologica. Volume 64:Number 2(2023)
• Page Start: 572
• Page End: 580
• Publication Date: 2023-02
• Subjects: Magnetic resonance imaging -- lung neoplasms -- microvessel densities -- Ki-67 antigen; Radiology, Medical -- Periodicals; Radiography, Medical -- Periodicals; Radiotherapy -- Periodicals; 616.0757
• DOI: 10.1177/02841851221088581
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0284-1851

Abstract

Background: Quantitative parameters of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) may have the potential to reflect angiogenesis and proliferation of pulmonary neoplasms. Purpose: To verify whether DCE-MRI can identify pulmonary neoplasm property and evaluate the correlation of DCE-MRI perfusion parameters with microvessel density (MVD) and Ki-67 in lung cancer. Material and Methods: This study enrolled 65 patients with one pulmonary neoplasm who underwent computed tomography-guided percutaneous lung biopsy with pathological diagnosis (43 malignant, 22 benign; mean age = 59.71 ± 11.72 years). All patients did DCE-MRI before biopsy. Quantitative MRI parameters including endothelial transfer constant (K trans ), flux rate constant (Kep ), and fractional extravascular extracellular space (EES) volume (Ve ) were calculated by extended Tofts linear model. MVD was evaluated by CD34-expressing tumor vessels. Proliferation was assessed by Ki-67 staining. The correlations of parameters with MVD and Ki-67 expression were analyzed. Results: K trans and Kep values were significantly increased in malignant lesions compared to benign lesions ( P = 0.001 and 0.022, respectively), whereas no statistical difference in Ve was found. The CD34 expression was positively correlated to K trans ( r = 0.608; P = 0.004) and Kep ( r = 0.556; P = 0.001). Subsequent subtype analyses also showed positive correlations of K trans and Kep with MVD in adenocarcinoma group ( r = 0.550 and 0.563; P = 0.012 and 0.015, respectively). No significant correlation was found between these parameters and Ki-67. Conclusion: K trans and Kep may distinguish benign and malignant pulmonary neoplasm. K trans and Kep, with their positive correlation to MVD, can be used as non-invasive parameters reflecting lung cancer angiogenesis.