New MRI Contrast Agent Capable of Detecting Tumors and Micrometastases 0.3 mm in Size

Researchers have created a new contrast agent, for use with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners that can detect cancer tumors, and micrometastases less than 2 mm in diameter.

Early detection and treatment of metastatic tumors can dramatically increase a patient’s chance of survival. The new MRI contrast agent consists of a small peptide gadolinium-base that can bind to fibrin-fibronectin molecular markers that exist in high-risk tumors and metastases.


The research was carried out by engineers at the Case Western Reserve University (CWRU; Cleveland, OH, USA), and was published in the journal Nature Communications. The engineers tested the new contrast agent on mice and confirmed the findings using a high-resolution fluorescence cryo-imaging system. The engineers discovered that the agent was able to delineate primary tumors and micro-metastases down to 300 micrometers in size, in the liver, lung, adrenal gland, lymph node, brain tissue, and bone. The agent also increased the signal output from metastases by between 77% and 122%.

Further research could allow researchers to make the contrast agent tumor-specific, to detect prostate cancer for example. Clinical trials with the new agent are expected to begin within three years, following safety tests. Tests have also shown that the time the agent stays in the body is comparable to that of existing clinical contrast agents.

Zhen-Rong Lu, leader of the research, and professor of biomedical engineering at Case Western Reserve University, said, “Currently, there is no imaging technology in clinical use that can detect tumors or metastases smaller than 2 millimeters in diameter. This can detect them as small as 300 microns—a few hundred cells. We not only detect the tumor, but detect its aggressiveness.

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