Fast MRI to map tumor blood flow and acidity
Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting of Tumor Vascular Perfusion and Acidosis
A new rapid MRI technique that measures how much blood reaches tumors and how acidic they are, aimed at improving imaging for people with breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11224081 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are developing a faster MRI scan that creates quick, quantitative maps of tumor blood flow (perfusion) and acidity using a Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting (MRF) approach. They will optimize a 3D T1-based MRF sequence that generates rapid T1 maps during contrast injection and can track contrast dynamics with high temporal resolution. The method will be tested in mouse models of breast cancer and used to measure perfusion and acidity changes after treatments such as vascular-disrupting drugs or radiotherapy. The team will compare the new approach to standard contrast-enhanced MRI to determine whether it detects treatment-related changes more precisely and quickly, with the aim of adapting it for future human imaging.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with breast cancer who are interested in future imaging studies to monitor tumor blood flow or acidity would be the most likely candidates for eventual human trials based on this work.
Not a fit: Patients who cannot undergo MRI or receive contrast agents, or whose tumors are not suitable for contrast-based imaging, are unlikely to benefit directly from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could enable faster, more precise MRI scans that detect changes in tumor blood flow and acidity earlier, helping doctors monitor treatment response and tailor therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work has shown dynamic MRF can rapidly produce accurate T1/T2 maps (Radiology, 2021), but applying 3D DCE-MRF to measure perfusion and acidity and to monitor treatment response is a newer application.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Case Western Reserve University — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Flask, Christopher a — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Flask, Christopher a
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.