(taken from abstract): The hypothesis of this proposed study is that diffusion MRI, which measures the apparent diffusion coefficient of tissue water (ADCw) has potential to be a non-invasive marker for effective cancer chemotherapy. A significant amount of pre-clinical evidence has shown that ADCw increases in tumors that are destined to respond to successful chemotherapy, and that it does not change if the therapy is ineffective. It is believed that these local changes in ADCw result from the early stages of apoptosis. The proposal will test the hypothesis in a clinical setting. Breast cancer patients with metastatic liver lesions who are undergoing taxotere therapy will be examined by diffusion MRI prior to, and 5-30 days after, commencement of therapy. Diffusion and T2-weighted images will be obtained. Patients will be followed for 44 days to dteermine the extent of their response by objective and subjective clinical criteria. This trial will demonstrate whether diffusion images predict the final response to therapy.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Exploratory/Developmental Grants (R21)
Project #
1R21CA088288-01
Application #
6198915
Study Section
Diagnostic Radiology Study Section (RNM)
Program Officer
Menkens, Anne E
Project Start
2000-08-01
Project End
2002-07-31
Budget Start
2000-08-01
Budget End
2001-07-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2000
Total Cost
$151,500
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Arizona
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
City
Tucson
State
AZ
Country
United States
Zip Code
85721
Theilmann, Rebecca J; Borders, Rebecca; Trouard, Theodore P et al. (2004) Changes in water mobility measured by diffusion MRI predict response of metastatic breast cancer to chemotherapy. Neoplasia 6:831-7