Intratumoral evaluation of 3D microvasculature and nanoparticle distribution using a gadolinium-dendron modified nano-liposomal contrast agent with magnetic resonance micro-imaging

Intratumoral evaluations of the vasculature and nanoparticle distribution are important for predicting the therapeutic efficacy and the intractability of tumors. We developed a tumor vasculature evaluation method and high-resolution nanoparticle delivery imaging using magnetic resonance (MR) micro-imaging technology with a gadolinium(Gd)-dendron assembled PEGylated-nano-liposomal contrast agent. The Gd-liposome with a cryogenic RF coil achieved 50-μm isotropic MR angiography with clear visualization of tumor micro-vessel structure and revealed differences in the vascular structures between Colon26- and SU-DHL6-tumor models. The MR micro-imaging methods contribute the evaluation of intratumoral vascularization patterns, the quantitative assessment of vascular-properties, particle retentivity, and the effects of treatment.402