Intratumor hemodynamics using contrast-enhanced MRI in intra-arterial chemotherapy for head and neck cancer

Objective : The objectives of the study were to estimate the perfusion of tumors by drugs used in intra-arterial chemotherapy of head and neck cancer with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to establish the factors involved in determining the optimal dose. Study Design : Contrast agent was administered intra-arterially into either the lingual or maxillary artery in 43 patients. Triple-phase continuous fast spin echo MRI was performed. Changes in blood water longitudinal relaxation rate (⊿R1) were measured in relation to imaging phase, type of artery, measurement site, and tumor size. Results : ⊿R1 was significantly higher at the tumor margin than at the center for both arteries, except in the first phase for the lingual artery. ⊿R1 was greatest in the third phase for the lingual artery and in the second phase for the maxillary artery. For both arteries, as the tumor size increased, there was a significant decrease in ⊿R1 at the center of the tumor compared to the margin. Conclusion : The factors associated with ⊿R1 were imaging phase, type of artery, measurement site, and tumor size. When determining a drug's optimal dose, the type of artery and tumor size must be taken into consideration.