Abstract
BackgroundDynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) biomarkers have proven utility in tumors in evaluating microvascular perfusion and permeability, but it is unclear whether measurements made in different centers are comparable due to methodological differences.PurposeTo evaluate how commonly utilized analytical methods for DCE-MRI biomarkers affect both the absolute parameter values and repeatability.Materials and MethodsDCE-MRI was performed on three consecutive days in twelve rats bearing C6 xenografts. Endothelial transfer constant (K trans), extracellular extravascular space volume fraction (v e), and contrast agent reflux rate constant (k ep) measures were computed using: 2-parameter (“Tofts” or “standard Kety”) vs. 3-parameter (“General Kinetic” or “extended Kety”) compartmental models (including blood plasma volume fraction (v p) with 3-parameter models); individual- vs. population-based vascular input functions (VIFs); and pixel-by-pixel vs. whole tumor-ROI. Variability was evaluated by within-subject coefficient of variation (wCV) and variance components analyses.ResultsDCE-MRI absolute parameter values and wCVs varied widely by analytical method. Absolute parameter values ranged, as follows, median K trans, 0.09–0.18 min-1; k ep, 0.51–0.92 min-1; v e, 0.17–0.23; and v p, 0.02–0.04. wCVs also varied widely by analytical method, as follows: mean K trans, 32.9–61.9%; k ep, 11.6–41.9%; v e, 16.1–54.9%; and v p, 53.9–77.2%. K trans and k ep values were lower with 3- than 2-parameter modeling (p<0.0001); k ep and v p were lower with pixel- than whole-ROI analyses (p<0.0006). wCVs were significantly smaller for v e, and larger for k ep, with individual- than population-based VIFs.ConclusionsDCE-MRI parameter values and repeatability can vary widely by analytical methodology. Absolute values of DCE-MRI biomarkers are unlikely to be comparable between different studies unless analyses are carefully standardized.
Highlights
Imaging biomarkers can assess tumor perfusion and permeability, and are useful in assessing response to therapy [1]
Ktrans and kep values were lower with 3- than 2-parameter modeling (p
Absolute values of Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) biomarkers are unlikely to be comparable between different studies unless analyses are carefully standardized
Summary
Imaging biomarkers can assess tumor perfusion and permeability, and are useful in assessing response to therapy [1]. Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) provides biomarkers of tissue perfusion with proven utility in oncologic imaging, including the assessment of treatment responses and development of anti-cancer therapies [2,3,4]. These biomarkers are little-used outside the single-center setting, probably because different implementations of the imaging acquisition and analysis have not been shown to provide comparable biomarker values. To evaluate how commonly utilized analytical methods for DCE-MRI biomarkers affect both the absolute parameter values and repeatability
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