Visualizing Collagen I Fiber Architecture in Human Breast Tumor Specimens using Diffusion Tensor Imaging

Samata M. Kakkad¹, Jiangyang Zhang¹, Lu Jiang¹, Zaver M. Bhujwalla¹, Kristine Glunde¹

Collagen I (Col1) fiber density is increased in breast cancers. Increased mammary Col1 fiber density can cause tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. Our goal is to determine the influence of the Col1 fiber architecture in human beast cancer on molecular diffusion. We performed ultra-high-resolution diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of a human breast cancer specimen, followed by second harmonic generation microscopy detection of intrinsic signal from Col1 fibers. High Col1 fiber density positively correlated with the apparent diffusion coefficient, indicating that Col1 fibers can enhance water diffusion in breast tumors, and diffusion anisotropy may reflect the organization of Col1 fibers.