Effect of Tamoxifen in an Experimental Model of Breast Tumor Studied by Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Different Contrast Agents

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of gadoteridol, B22956/1 (a new protein binding blood pool contrast agent), and (Gd-DTPA)37-albumin in detecting, by dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the effect in vivo of tamoxifen in an experimental model of breast tumor implanted in rats. Tumors were induced by subcutaneous injection of 10 mammary adenocarcinoma cells (13762 MAT B III). Treatment with tamoxifen (or vehicle) started on day 4 after implantation. On day 10 after implantation, animals were observed by MRI using B22956/1 (or gadoteridol) and, 24 hours later, using (Gd-DTPA)37-albumin. Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging data showed that tamoxifen treatment decreased vascular permeability to B22956/1, whereas no difference was detectable in permeability to gadoteridol or to (Gd-DTPA)37-albumin. No effect on fractional plasma volume was detected with either of contrast agents. B22956/1 is superior to both small Gd chelates and macromolecular contrast agents in the assessment of the effect of tamoxifen treatment on tumor vasculature.