Oxygen-Enhanced MRI Technology Allows Cancer Doctors to See Inside Tumors
By MedImaging International staff writers Posted on 20 Mar 2023 |
Since the 1950s, researchers have been aware of the difficulty in effectively treating tumors deprived of oxygen, a problem that is further exacerbated when treating them with radiotherapy. In spite of this, patients are not routinely subjected to tests that evaluate tumor oxygen levels due to the absence of a single cost-effective, accurate, and readily available test. Now, imaging researchers have come closer to accomplishing their goal of identifying cancers that are deprived of oxygen, which would aid in tailoring effective, targeted treatments for these cancers.
A team of researchers from The University of Manchester (Manchester, UK) and The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR, London, UK) achieved this breakthrough by combining two cutting-edge technologies: an MRI scanner that also delivers radiotherapy - called MR-Linac - to measure the oxygen levels in tumors.
In a study involving 11 head and neck cancer patients, researchers successfully performed scans using the MR-Linac machine and subsequently generated maps of oxygen levels - a first in this field. It is important to note that this technology has the potential to be applicable to most types of cancer. During the process, patients inhaled room air through a mask, followed by pure oxygen to bathe the tumor with the gas. Oxygen-enhanced MRI, as the technique is called, was able to distinguish between tumor portions with different oxygen levels; areas with good oxygenation showed varied responses compared to those that were oxygen-depleted, thereby helping to identify the sections of the tumor that were starved of oxygen and may be resistant to radiotherapy.
“This imaging lets us see inside tumors and helps us understand why some people with cancer need an extra boost to get effective treatment. This is an important step towards the goal of changing treatment based on imaging biology,” said lead author Professor James O’Connor, Professor of Quantitative Biomedical Imaging at The Institute of Cancer Research.
“The MR-Linac is an exciting technology that combines highly precise imaging and radiotherapy delivery that allows for real-time imaging,” added first author Dr. Michael Dubec from The University of Manchester. “We are tremendously excited about what is the first application in humans of 'oxygen-enhanced MRI', developed as a result of a multi-disciplinary team working across the country which has exciting implications on patient outcomes.”
Related Links:
The University of Manchester
ICR
Latest MRI News
- World's First Sensor Detects Errors in MRI Scans Using Laser Light and Gas
- Diamond Dust Could Offer New Contrast Agent Option for Future MRI Scans
- Combining MRI with PSA Testing Improves Clinical Outcomes for Prostate Cancer Patients
- PET/MRI Improves Diagnostic Accuracy for Prostate Cancer Patients
- Next Generation MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound Ushers In Future of Incisionless Neurosurgery
- Two-Part MRI Scan Detects Prostate Cancer More Quickly without Compromising Diagnostic Quality
- World’s Most Powerful MRI Machine Images Living Brain with Unrivaled Clarity
- New Whole-Body Imaging Technology Makes It Possible to View Inflammation on MRI Scan
- Combining Prostate MRI with Blood Test Can Avoid Unnecessary Prostate Biopsies
- New Treatment Combines MRI and Ultrasound to Control Prostate Cancer without Serious Side Effects
- MRI Improves Diagnosis and Treatment of Prostate Cancer
- Combined PET-MRI Scan Improves Treatment for Early Breast Cancer Patients
- 4D MRI Could Improve Clinical Assessment of Heart Blood Flow Abnormalities
- MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound Therapy Shows Promise in Treating Prostate Cancer
- AI-Based MRI Tool Outperforms Current Brain Tumor Diagnosis Methods
- DW-MRI Lights up Small Ovarian Lesions like Light Bulbs