Wavelet-Based Time-Frequency Analysis of Radiation-Induced Vascular Changes in Brain Tumors Using Dynamic Contrast Enhanced MRI

Motivation: To improve the assessment of radiation therapy impact on brain tumor and normal tissue vasculature using Dynamic-Contrast-Enhanced MRI and advanced time-frequency analysis techniques. Goal(s): To use wavelet analysis to evaluate how radiation therapy alters contrast agent movement in brain tumors and normal tissues using DCE-MRI in a Nested-Model-Selection framework. Approach: Animal models of brain tumor were studied pre- and post-radiation using DCE-MRI, with wavelet-based time-frequency analysis to characterize radiation-induced changes in contrast agent dynamics. Results: Significant radiation-induced lead and lag times in contrast agent dynamics were observed, particularly in the tumor periphery and surrounding normal tissues, suggesting differing responses to radiation across regions. Impact: This study presents a novel DCE-MRI-based approach using Nested-Model-Selection and wavelet analysis to identify radiation-induced changes in animal models of brain tumor and normal tissues, offering potential clinical applications in improving and optimizing radiation treatment planning for brain cancer patients.