In vivo CEST-MRI Parameters correlate to Transcriptome and Metabolic Features in Breast Lesions

Motivation: CEST-MRI could provide biochemical and molecular information on breast lesions before detection of physiological and anatomical changes. Goal(s): Our goal is to identify suitable in vivo CEST-MRI biomarker candidates. Approach: 12 patients with 6 benign and 8 malignant lesions (pathology confirmed) who had concurrent CEST-MRI, transcriptome, and metabolomic data were included. Results: Expression of several genes and metabolites correlated with MTRasym values (P<0.05) at 1, 2, and 3.5 ppm. At 1 and 2 ppm, DNA damage, cell cycle, stress response, and small molecule metabolic processes were prominently represented. Specific metabolites (e.g., Citrate/Isocitrate, glucuronate) showed significant correlations at 1, 2, and 3.5 ppm. Impact: In vivo CEST-MRI parameters are reflective of transcriptome and metabolomic features in breast lesions. This provides molecular information, potentially before the detection of physiological and anatomical changes, and could facilitate accurate prediction of response to therapy allowing earlier interventions.