ADC and T2 response to radiotherapy in a human tumour xenograft model

A 9.4 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system was used to evaluate the response of a human tumour xenograft model to radiation therapy. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and the transverse relaxation time (T2) of human glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) tumour xenografts in NIH-iii nude mice were measured before, and at multiple points after, treatment of the tumours with 200 kVp x-rays. The response was characterized as a function of a number of variables of interest in the clinical treatment of cancer with external beam radiation therapy.This work adds to the body of literature describing tumour ADC and T2 response to anticancer therapy, and adds to the understanding of ADC and T2 response to radiation therapy in particular. This works supports that of others suggesting the use of ADC and T2 as potential biomarkers for tumour response to treatment.Mean tumour ADC and T2 responses after single fractions of radiation were investigated, with measurements being made until 14 days after treatment. Single fraction doses ranged from 50 cGy to 800 cGy. Fractionated treatments were used to deliver 800 cGy in two or three fractions with fraction spacings of 24 or 72 hours. The role of hypoxia on ADC and T2 response was investigated by using an externally-applied, suture-based ligature to induce a state of reduced oxygenation in tumours during treatment, after which ADC and T2 were measured using serial MRI. Finally, tumours were dissected in order to provide insight into possible pathophysiological mechanisms explaining the observed responses. Tissue sections were prepared and reviewed by a pathologist.