Monitoring treatment response of nasopharyngeal carcinoma to vascular normalization with Amide Proton Transfer Imaging

Motivation: The effectiveness of anti-angiogenesis therapy in patients with advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma is not optimal, and early monitoring of treatment effectiveness can reduce unnecessary treatment for patients. Goal(s): The focus of this study was to ascertain whether Amide Proton Transfer- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (APT-MRI) could be effectively used to evaluate tumor response at an early stage. Approach: The research involved an examination of the correlation between APTw values and tumor cell proliferation, achieved by subjecting preclinical models to diverse antiangiogenic therapies. Results: The results of our study demonstrated a marked positive correlation between APTw and the expression of Ki67, a tumor proliferation marker. Impact: This study is useful for the clinical application of anti-angiogenesis therapy. The study provides an in-depth exploration of the mechanisms and efficacy of this therapeutic approach, offering a comprehensive understanding that is crucial for its successful implementation in clinical practice.