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Abstract #4804

Assessment of Tumor Microvasculature by a Kinetic Model Independent DCE-MRI Method Using a High Molecular Weight Contrast Agent

Wenlian Zhu1, Yoshinori Kato1, Shruthi Shankar1, Zaver Bhujwalla1, Dmitri Artemov1

1ICMIC Program, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States


The goal of this study is to identify a DCE-MRI method that can minimize the effect of water exchange and blood flow on the assessment of tumor microvasculature. This was achieved with a 3D FLASH method using a short recovery delay, a high flip angle, and non selective saturation pulses followed by crusher gradients. Such method can help to establish a reliable method to monitor tumor vascular response to therapy. Preliminary results are reported for a preclinical breast cancer model treated with bevacizumab.