DCE-MRI expands the range and application of imaging assessment in clinical research.  Recent advancements in technology and medical science now allow Sponsors to assess microcirculation in tumors in clinical anti-angiogenic trials.

Until recently, DCE-MRI was confined to use in single center Phase I trials only. Biomedical Systems Imaging Services has developed a process that allows Sponsors to effectively apply this innovative technique in multi-center Phase II and Phase III trials around the world. 

With DCE-MRI protocols, sites acquire a serial set of images before and after the injection of a paramagnetic contrast agent. This rapid acquisition of images allows an analysis of the variation of the MR signal intensity, before and after contrast enhancement, over time; recorded for each image voxel. As the contrast agent enters the tissue, it changes the MR signal intensity from the tissue by a degree that depends on the local concentration. When the contrast agent leaves the tissue, the MR signal intensity begins to descend toward the baseline value. Using an appropriate pharmacokinetic model, the difference between the two sets of values can be analyzed to determine blood flow, permeability and tissue volume fractions for each voxel within Regions of Interest (ROI).

DCE-MRI’s use of magnetic resonance improves patient care by reducing the need to expose patients to further doses of radiation through additional radiological procedures.  

Centralized image collection, management, and assessment for clinical trials are a complex and time consuming process, particularly for DCE-MRI studies. Our flexible workflow processes and innovative technologies are designed and validated specifically for imaging in clinical trials. Biomedical Systems performs all imaging core lab services with the regulatory rigor required for your imaging data.