Non-invasive vascular imaging: assessing tumour vascularity (original) (raw)

Abstract.

Non-invasive assessment of vascularity is a new diagnostic approach to characterise tumours. Vascular assessment is based on the pathophysiology of tumour angiogenesis and its diagnostic implications for tumour biology, prognosis and therapy response. Two current techniques investigating vascular features in addition to morphology are Doppler ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced MRI. Diagnostic differentiation has been shown to be possible with Doppler, and a high degree of observed vascularity could be linked to an aggressive course of the disease. Dynamic MRI using gadolinium chelates is already used clinically to detect and differentiate tumours. The histological correlation shows that capillary permeability is increased in malignant tumours and is the best criterion for differentiation from benign processes. Permeability and perfusion factors seem to be more diagnostic than overall vessel density. New clinical applications are currently being established for therapy monitoring. Further instrumental developments will bring harmonic imaging in Doppler, and faster imaging techniques, higher spatial resolution and novel pharmacokinetic concepts in MRI. Upcoming contrast agents for both Doppler and MRI will further improve estimation of intratumoural blood volume and vascular permeability.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Oncologic Diagnostics and Therapy, German Cancer Research Centre, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany, , , , , , DE
    S. Delorme & M. V. Knopp

Authors

  1. S. Delorme
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  2. M. V. Knopp
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Received 14 November 1997; Accepted 16 December 1997

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Delorme, S., Knopp, M. Non-invasive vascular imaging: assessing tumour vascularity.Eur Radiol 8, 517–527 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/s003300050428

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