|
|
| Poster, Friday, 19:00 |
|
|
|
| Non-invasive investigation
of biomechanical properties in mice tumor xenografts via scanning acoustic
microscopy
R. Pflanzer1, A. Shelke2,
J. Bereiter-Hahn2, M. Hofmann1
|
1
|
|
Department of Dermatology, Venerology
and Allergology, Clinics of the Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7,
60590 Frankfurt / Main, Germany |
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
Institute for Cell Biology and Neurosciences
Kinematic, Cell Research Group Goethe University, Max-von- Laue-Straße
9, 60438 Frankfurt / Main, Germany |
|
|
|
| Contact:
| Website |
|
|
A characteristic feature of solid tumors is their abnormal vasculature
network which often goes along with an elevated tumor interstitial fluid
pressure (TIFP). High TIFP complicates the uptake of macromolecular anti-cancer
therapeutics – like monoclonal antibodies (mAB) - in tumor tissue. It has
also been shown that an elevated TIFP induces mechanical strain therefore
triggering cell proliferation in the periphery of solid tumors. Pressure
values of up to 15 mm Hg have been measured at subcutaneously implanted,
vulva-carcinoma derived A431 tumor xenografts in nude mice. Two invasive
techniques, the wick-in-needle technique and the micropuncture method,
are commonly used for these purposes. With scanning acoustic microscopy
(SAM) at various frequencies in the range of 15-100 MHz, a novel method
is proposed to overcome the disadvantages of invasive pressure assessment
methods. Analysis of amplitude and time-of-flight acoustic signals provides
quantification possibilities of TIFP. Furthermore, biomechanical properties
such as tissue attenuation, elasticity and inhomogeneity are more readily
accessible. In addition, making tumor vessel network structures visible
via mouse heart perfusion and a maceration preparation process of mouse
tumor tissue could provide a helpful tool to support various imaging techniques
on tumor microenvironment. Different treatment regimes as well as angiogenesis-inducing
factors like vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are compared in
respect to their effects on tumor growth and resulting tumor vessel network
architecture. Further investigations are undertaken to enhance understanding
of tumor microenvironment and to make non-invasive ultrasound methods available
for possible in situ applications in small animals or small tissue
surface areas. |
|
