NMR Imaging of Prostate Cancer Using Ligands

描述（由申请人提供）： 磁共振成像（MRI）正在成为实时的关键工具 分子成像研究。作为一种非侵入性的， 活体深部组织三维高分辨率空间成像方法 样品随着超高场强磁共振波谱仪的出现 像9.4T显微成像仪一样，可以研究生物结构， 在50微米或更小的分辨率下， 成像与造影剂的使用相结合，可以成像 生物过程。这种技术如果应用于癌性肿瘤， 有助于这些疾病的诊断和治疗。前列腺癌 是癌症死亡的第二大原因，也是最常见的恶性肿瘤 在北美男性中。恶性前列腺细胞中存在的因素之一 支持其转移性生长的是神经肽神经降压素 （NT）.最近，马萨诸塞州大学医学院的科学家们 （UMMS）已经开发了用于可视化NT受体的造影剂。使用 在体外模型中，已经表明，该配体可以随着其 通过受体介导的内吞作用在细胞中浓缩。的首要目标 这一举措是为了建立使用超高场的可行性， 以顺磁性配体（作为造影剂）作为方法的成像技术 用于在体内模型中跟踪前列腺肿瘤生长和进展。如果我们 如果第一阶段（R21）成功，则此授权的第二阶段 将重点关注雄激素消融和NT水平对肿瘤运动的影响 在同一个动物的超时生长，试图更好地了解 使用非侵入性技术识别和跟踪前列腺肿瘤。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is becoming a critical tool in real-time molecular imaging research. It is particularly beneficial as a non-invasive method for 3D, high resolution, spatial imaging of deep tissue in living samples. With the advent of MR spectrometers of ultra-high field strengths like the 9.4T microimager, it is possible to study biological structures in vivo with a resolution of 50 micrometers or less. When ultra-high field imaging is combined with the use of contrast agents, it is possible to image biological processes. Such techniques, if applied to cancerous tumors, may contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of these disorders. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer and is most common malignancy in North American men. One of the factors present in malignant prostate cells and shown to support its metastatic growth is the neuropeptide neurotensin (NT). Recently, scientists at University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) have developed a contrast agent for visualizing NT receptors. Using an in vitro model it has been shown that this ligand can be followed as it concentrates in cells via receptor mediated endocytosis. The primary goal of this initiative is to establish the feasibility of using ultra-high field imaging techniques with paramagnetic ligands (as contrast agents) as a method for following prostate tumor growth and progression in an in vivo model. If we are successful with the first phase (R21), then the second phase of this grant will focus on the effects of androgen ablation and NT levels on tumor motility and growth in the same animal overtime in an attempt to understand better the use of non-invasive techniques for identifying and tracking prostate tumors.