Abstract #3167

Non-Invasive Visualization of Differential BBB Permeability & In Vivo Quantification of Tumor Volume in an Experimental Model of Breast Cancer Metastasis to the Brain, using Gadolinium-Enhanced MRI & 3D BSSFP

Dean Bowles Percy¹, Emeline J. Ribot¹, Catherine McFadden¹, Yuhua Chen¹, Carmen Simedrea², Ann F. Chambers², Patricia S. Steeg³, Paula J. Foster¹

¹Robarts Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada; ²London Regional Cancer Program, London, Ontario, Canada; ³National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States

Brain metastases are notoriously difficult to treat, in part due to heterogeneity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, which can inhibit drug delivery. By using high-resolution 3D bSSFP MRI in tandem with traditional gadolinium-contrast enhanced T1wSE we are the first to longitudinally monitor BBB permeability in breast cancer brain metastases, and by using MR volume measurements, relate this permeability to metastasis size, in vivo. This model can provide the foundation for much needed preclinical evaluation of efficacy and delivery of chemotherapeutics engineered to cross the BBB, and hopefully lead to better clinical management of brain metastases.