Jamu K. Alford1, Brian K. Rutt1,2, Timothy J. Scholl1, William B. Handler1, Blaine A. Chronik1
1Physics and Astronomy, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; 2Imaging, Robarts Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
Herein the first experimental validation of a new approach to MRI molecular imaging is described. This method, delta relaxation enhanced MRI (dreMR) uses induced magnetic field perturbations as a means of measuring the binding of molecule-specific MR probes such as Vasovist and EP-2104R to their respective target molecules. It is shown that this approach results in unprecedented specificity to the binding state of the contrast agent and therefore clearly distinguishes samples containing the target molecule from all other samples. This method has significant implications in the areas of molecular imaging, tumor physiology, and detection of disease.