Cancer Biomarkers - Volume 7, issue 4-5

Authors: Messiou, Christina | deSouza, Nandita M.

Article Type: Research Article

DOI: 10.3233/CBM-2010-0202

Citation: Cancer Biomarkers, vol. 7, no. 4-5, pp. 171-172, 2010

Authors: Stasinopoulos, Ioannis | Penet, Marie-France | Krishnamachary, Balaji | Bhujwalla, Zaver M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The ability of cancer cells to invade, metastasize, and form distant colonies, is one of the key characteristics that confers lethality to cancer. Metastatic cancer cells typically become refractory to treatment. The metastatic cascade is a multi-step process that is governed by events within the cancer cell, the tumor microenvironment, and the distant environments that are invaded and colonized by the cancer cells. Noninvasive imaging techniques are facilitating a close examination of the stepwise journey of the cancer cell from the primary tumor to the distant metastatic site. Here we have discussed the metastatic process, and how molecular and functional …imaging of cancer are providing new insights into the metastatic cascade that can be exploited for treatment of metastatic disease. Show more

Keywords: Invasion, metastasis, molecular and functional imaging, theranostics of metastasis

DOI: 10.3233/CBM-2010-0188

Citation: Cancer Biomarkers, vol. 7, no. 4-5, pp. 173-188, 2010

Authors: Dafni, Hagit | Ronen, Sabrina M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Tumorigenesis and metastasis are associated with metabolic reprogramming, including enhanced glycolysis and glutaminolysis. Recent developments in dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) dramatically enhance the sensitivity of magnetic resonance spectroscopy, providing a novel method for metabolic imaging in real-time through ‘hypersensing’ of polarized metabolites. In parallel, advanced signal acquisition sequences, such as compressed sensing, improve spatial and temporal resolution providing better depiction of rapid metabolic events in small tumors and metastases. Here we review the potential of hyperpolarized magnetic resonance spectroscopy for studying the crosstalk between oncogenic cell signaling and metabolism, and for probing diagnostic biomarkers and metabolic indicators of therapeutic response …in primary tumors and metastases. Show more

Keywords: Dynamic nuclear polarization, hyperpolarized 13C, MRSI, metastases

DOI: 10.3233/CBM-2010-0185

Citation: Cancer Biomarkers, vol. 7, no. 4-5, pp. 189-199, 2010

Authors: Kyriazi, Stavroula | Nye, Emma | Stamp, Gordon | Collins, David J. | Kaye, Stan B. | deSouza, Nandita M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This study correlates apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) from Diffusion-weighted Imaging (DWI) in primary ovarian tumours and their omental metastases following neoadjuvant chemotherapy with epithelial and stromal densities in order to relate them to histological composition. Eight patients underwent DWI at 1.5 T with four b-values (0, 600, 900, and 1,050 s/mm2 ) at baseline and after one and three cycles of platinum-based chemotherapy. Mean ADCs were calculated at each timepoint from solid tumour at ovarian and omental sites. Specimens from 15 corresponding lesions (8 ovarian, 7 omental), obtained at interval debulking surgery, were stained immunohistochemically to quantify epithelial and stromal …components. End-of-treatment ADC was correlated with epithelial and stromal densities. Longitudinal changes in ADC with treatment were compared between primary and metastatic lesions using parametric tests. No baseline differences in ADC between primary and metastatic sites were seen. Mean ADC increased significantly from baseline after both first and third cycle (P < 0.001) in both ovarian and omental lesions. ADC and total epithelial plus stromal density (lesion cellularity) were negatively correlated in ovarian lesions (r= −0.79, P=0.02) but not in omental metastases or when both sites were considered together. However, ADC and epithelial density were negatively correlated in ovarian (r=− 0.78, P=0.02) and omental lesions (r=−0.75, P=0.04) and when both sites were considered together (r=−0.77, P< 0.001). There was no significant correlation between ADC and stromal density. Thus ADC reflects mainly epithelial content in advanced ovarian cancer and is not solely a function of lesion cellularity. Show more

Keywords: Diffusion-weighted imaging, ovarian cancer, apparent diffusion coefficient, cellularity, tumour response

DOI: 10.3233/CBM-2010-0194

Citation: Cancer Biomarkers, vol. 7, no. 4-5, pp. 201-210, 2010

Authors: Messiou, C. | Collins, D.J. | Morgan, V.A. | Robson, M.D. | deBono, J.S. | Bydder, G.M. | deSouza, N.M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Introduction: Ultra Short TE MRI allows signal to be detected from tissues with a very short T2.The aims of this study were to optimize a 2D UTE MRI sequence for imaging and quantification of sclerotic bone metastases, establish T2* values of sclerotic components and investigate the feasibility of using the method to assess changes in T2* of sclerotic metastases and their relation to attenuation values in patients on treatment. Methods: Twenty-two subjects were recruited in 3 cohorts. Cohort 1 was used to optimize the 2-D UTE sequence, cohort 2 was used to establish T2* measurements using a range …of TEs and cohort 3 was used to assess T2* changes with treatment response and relate them to changes on electron density as measured by CT Hounsfield Units. Results: Sagittal 2D UTE MRI of the lumbar spine is feasible demonstrating short T2 components in normal volunteers. In patients with bone metastases secondary to prostate carcinoma T2* can be measured and mean T2* of sclerotic metastases measured with TEs of 0.07, 0.27, 0.47 and 0.67 ms was 8.5 ms.T2* shortened by 20.0% in responders and increased by 24.4% in progressors. Discussion: The significant linear relationship between percentage change in T2* as derived from UTE MRI and percentage change in HU from corresponding CT studies is indirect evidence that they are measuring effects of the same process.If the relationship between T2* and electron density holds true in further studies it offers potential for MR guided radiotherapy planning as well as attenuation correction for PET/MRI. Show more

Keywords: Bone, metastasis, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging

DOI: 10.3233/CBM-2010-0189

Citation: Cancer Biomarkers, vol. 7, no. 4-5, pp. 211-218, 2010

Authors: Waerzeggers, Yannic | Rahbar, Kambiz | Riemann, Burkhard | Weckesser, Matthias | Schäfers, Michael | Hesselmann, Volker | Niederstadt, Thomas | Willich, Normann | Stummer, Walter | Paulus, Werner | Schober, Otmar | Jacobs, Andreas H.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Systemic cancer is the second most common cause of death in developed countries and metastatic brain tumour the most common tumour of the central nervous system (CNS). As the incidence of brain metastases appears to be rising, more accurate non-invasive imaging modalities for diagnosis, prognosis, prediction and follow-up of treatment are requisites for efficient patient management. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging has the ability to evaluate different aspects of tumour microenvironment on the molecular and cellular level and impact the workup of patients with brain metastasis. This article reviews the current application of PET imaging in patients with metastatic brain …disease. Show more

Keywords: PET, brain metastasis, diagnosis, therapy monitoring

DOI: 10.3233/CBM-2010-0200

Citation: Cancer Biomarkers, vol. 7, no. 4-5, pp. 219-233, 2010

Authors: Kochhar, Rohit | Liong, Sue | Manoharan, Prakash

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Introduction: Growing subsets of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) are being considered for treatment with curative intent. Accurate re-staging of patients with potentially resectable hepatic or pulmonary metastases is therefore crucial for optimal management. This article presents data to assess the role of 18-fluoro-deoxyglucose (18 FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in metastatic CRC. Materials and Methods: A total of 341 patients with potentially resectable liver and/or pulmonary CRC metastases underwent 18 FDG PET/CT between 1st April 2007 and 31st August 2008 at our unit. Of these, 157 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in …this retrospective assessment. Imaging and clinical histories of these patients were evaluated. Findings on PET/CT were compared with pre-PET/ CT conventional imaging and overall impact on patient management was assessed. The PET/CT results were confirmed either with histological comparison where available or with serial imaging follow up. Results: On a lesion to lesion basis, PET/CT when compared with pre-PET/CT conventional imaging in patients with metastatic liver and lung lesions had a Spearman correlation coefficient of 0.8 and P value < 0.0001 in both subgroups. PET/CT upstaged disease in 33.1% (52/157), down staged disease in 24.9% (39/157) and was in agreement with pre-PET/CT conventional imaging in the remaining 42% of patients (66/157). Based on PET/CT results surgery was averted in 33.8% patients (53/157). PET/CT had a sensitivity of 87.1%, specificity of 88.0%, positive predictive value of 97.4%, negative predictive value of 56.4% and an overall accuracy of 87.3% in assessing metastatic disease. Conclusion: Assessment with 18 FDG PET/CT has a significant impact on the management of CRC patients with hepatic and pulmonary metastases. Show more

Keywords: Positron emission tomography, computed tomography, colorectal cancer, recurrence, staging and hepatic metastases

DOI: 10.3233/CBM-2010-0201

Citation: Cancer Biomarkers, vol. 7, no. 4-5, pp. 235-248, 2010

Authors: Punwani, Shonit | Prakash, Vineet | Bainbridge, Alan | Taylor, Stuart A. | Bandula, Steven | Olsen, Oystein E | Hain, Sharon F. | Shankar, Ananth | Daw, Stephen | Humphries, Paul

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Purpose: This study explores the relationship between MRI Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) and PET Standardized Uptake Value (SUV) measurements in pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma. Methods: Sixteen patients (mean age 15.4 yrs, 8 male) with proven Hodgkin lymphoma were recruited and staged using PET-CT, anatomical MRI and additional 1.5T diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) prior to and following chemotherapy. Pre-treatment lymph nodes and anatomically paired post-treatment residual tissue located on MRI were matched to the corresponding PET-CT. Region of interest (ROI) analysis was used to extract quantitative measurements. Mean ADC (ADCmean ) and maximum SUV (SUVmax ) were recorded and correlation …assessed using Spearman statistics. Results: Fifty-three ROIs were sampled. Pre- and post-treatment ADCmean ranged from 0.77 × 10-3 to 1.79 × 10-3 (median 1.15 × 10-3 mm2 s-1 ) and 1.08 × 10-3 to 3.18 × 10-3 (median 1.88 × 10-3 mm2 s-1 ), and SUVmax from 2.60 to 25.4 (median 8.85 mg/ml) and 1.00 to 3.50 mg/ml (median 1.90 mg/ml). Median post-treatment ADCmean was higher, and median SUVmax lower than pre-treatment values (p< 0.0001). There was an inverse correlation between pre-treatment ADCmean and SUVmax (p=0.005) and between fractional change ([post-treatment – pre-treatment]/pre-treatment) in ADCmean and SUVmax (p=0.002). Conclusion: Our results confirm a strong reciprocal relationship between nodal ADCmean and SUVmax in Hodgkin lymphoma; supporting the potential application of quantitative DWI as a functional biomarker of disease. Show more

Keywords: Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging, positron-emission tomography, lymphoma, child, adolescent

DOI: 10.3233/CBM-2010-0197

Citation: Cancer Biomarkers, vol. 7, no. 4-5, pp. 249-259, 2010