Filter exchange MR imaging (FEXI) offers potential to measure the diffusional exchange rate of water between intra- and extra-cellular spaces, which may provide unique insights to alterations in cell physiology. We investigated the feasibility of implementing FEXI for in vivo measurement of breast tumor apparent exchange rates (AXR) and association with pathologic factors. Our findings showed reduced AXR in breast tumors and suggested association with aquaporin five (AQP5) concentration, previously shown to correlate with tumor aggressiveness and metastatic risk. Further investigation is warranted to evaluate FEXI as a new prognostic marker and early marker of response to therapy.
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