Functional computed tomography imaging of tumor-induced angiogenesis: preliminary results of new tracer kinetic modeling using a computer discretization approach

Purpose. The aim of this study was to establish functional computed tomography ( CT) imaging as a method for assessing tumor-induced angiogenesis. Materials and methods. Functional CT imaging was mathematically analyzed for 14 renal cell carcinomas by means of two-compartment modeling using a computer-discretization approach. The model incorporated diffusible kinetics of contrast medium including leakage from the capillary to the extravascular compartment and back-flux to the capillary compartment. The correlations between functional CT parameters [ relative blood volume ( rbv), permeability 1 ( Pm1), and permeability 2 ( Pm2)] and histopathological markers of angiogenesis [ microvessel density ( MVD) and vascular endothelial growth factor ( VEGF)] were statistically analyzed. Results. The modeling was successfully performed, showing similarity between the mathematically simulated curve and the measured time-density curve. There were significant linear correlations between MVD grade and Pm1 ( r = 0.841, P = 0.001) and between VEGF grade and Pm2 ( r = 0.804, P = 0.005) by Pearson's correlation coefficient. Conclusion. This method may be a useful tool for the assessment of tumor- induced angiogenesis.