Tumor Microenvironment Modifications Recorded With IVIM Perfusion Analysis and DCE-MRI After Neoadjuvant Radiotherapy: A Preclinical Study

PurposeNeoadjuvant radiotherapy (NeoRT) improves tumor local control and facilitates tumor resection in many cancers. Some clinical studies demonstrated that both timing of surgery and RT schedule influence tumor dissemination, and subsequently patient overall survival. Previously, we developed a pre-clinical model demonstrating the impact of NeoRT schedule and timing of surgery on metastatic spreading. We report on the impact of NeoRT on tumor microenvironment by MRI. MethodsAccording to our NeoRT model, MDA-MB 231 cells were implanted in the flank of SCID mice. Tumors were locally irradiated (PXI X-Rad SmART) with 2x5Gy and then surgically removed at different time points after RT. Diffusion-weighted (DW) and Dynamic contrast enhancement (DCE) MRI images were acquired before RT and every 2 days between RT and surgery. IntraVoxel Incoherent Motion (IVIM) analysis was used to obtain information on intravascular diffusion, related to perfusion (F: perfusion factor) and subsequently tumor vessels perfusion. For DCE-MRI, we performed semi-quantitative analyses. ResultsWith this experimental model, a significant and transient increase of the perfusion factor F [50% of the basal value (n=16, p<0.005)] was observed on day 6 after irradiation as well as a significant increase of the WashinSlope with DCE-MRI at day 6 (n=13, p<0.05). Using immunohistochemistry, a significant increase of perfused vessels was highlighted, corresponding to the increase of perfusion in MRI at this same time point. Moreover, Tumor surgical resection during this peak of vascularization results in an increase of metastasis burden (n=10, p<0.05). ConclusionSignificant differences in perfusion-related parameters (F and WashinSlope) were observed on day 6 in a neoadjuvant radiotherapy model using SCID mice. These modifications are correlated with an increase of perfused vessels in histological analysis and also with an increase of metastasis spreading after the surgical procedure. This experimental observation could potentially result in a way to personalize treatment, by modulating the time of surgery guided on MRI functional data, especially tumor perfusion.

Automated summary

Significant changes in perfusion-related parameters were observed on day 6 in a neoadjuvant radiotherapy model using SCID mice, which correlated with an increase in perfused vessels and metastasis spreading after surgery. This observation suggests the potential for personalized treatment by adjusting the timing of surgery based on MRI functional data, especially tumor perfusion.