Abstract
No current non-invasive method is capable of assessing the efficacy of brain tumor therapy early during treatment. We outline an approach that evaluates tumor activity via statistical analysis of vessel shape using vessels segmented from MRA. This report is the first to describe the changes in vessel shape that occur during treatment of metastatic brain tumors as assessed by sequential MRA. In this preliminary study of 16 patients undergoing treatment for metastatic breast cancer we conclude that vessel shape may predict tumor response several months in advance of traditional methods.
Publication types
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Controlled Clinical Trial
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
MeSH terms
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Adolescent
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Adult
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Aged
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Brain Neoplasms / drug therapy*
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Brain Neoplasms / pathology
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Brain Neoplasms / secondary*
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Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
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Breast Neoplasms / pathology
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Contrast Media
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Female
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Gadolinium / therapeutic use*
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Humans
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Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / methods
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
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Male
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Middle Aged
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Neovascularization, Pathologic / pathology*
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Neovascularization, Pathologic / prevention & control*
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Pilot Projects
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Prognosis
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Subtraction Technique
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Treatment Outcome
Substances
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Contrast Media
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Gadolinium