Abstract

Understanding of structural and functional characteristics of the vascular microenvironment in gliomas and the impact of antiangiogenic treatments is essential for developing better therapeutic strategies. Although a number of methods exist in which this process can be studied experimentally, no single noninvasive test has the capacity to provide information concerning both microvascular function and morphology. The purpose of present study is to demonstrate the feasibility of using a novel three-dimensional ?R2-based microscopic magnetic resonance angiography (3D ?R2-µMRA) technique for longitudinal imaging of tumor angiogenesis and monitoring the effects of antiangiogenic treatment in rodent brain tumor models. Using 3D ?R2-µMRA, a generally consistent early pattern of vascular development in gliomas was revealed, in which a single feeding vessel was visualized first (arteriogenesis), followed by sprouting angiogenesis. Considerable variability of the tumor-associated vasculature was then noted at later stages of tumor evolution. ?R2-µMRA revealed that anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment induced a rapid and significant alteration of the intratumoral angiogenic phenotype. In summary, 3D ?R2-µMRA enables high-resolution visualization of tumor-associated vessels while simultaneously providing functional information on the tumor microvasculature. It can serve as a useful tool for monitoring both the temporal evolution of tumor angiogenesis and the impact of antiangiogenic therapies.

View details for DOI 10.1007/s10456-013-9355-8

View details for Web of Science ID 000324326900005

View details for PubMedID 23736837