Correlation between MRI parameters and atrophy biomarkers of muscle in a preclinical model of pancreatic cancer

Motivation: Cachexia is a devastating effect of cancer, which reduces the quality of life, ultimately leading to mortality. There is a dire need to develop sensitive non-invasive biomarkers to diagnose and monitor the effects of cachexia progression. Goal(s): The goal of this study was to demonstrate a correlation between multi-parametric MRI (mpMRI) measures and atrophy biomarkers. Approach: We scanned a genetically engineered KPC mouse model of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma using mpMRI, measures of physological function followed by histopathology, and polymerase chain reaction measurements. Results: Our results showed significant correlations between MR parameters and specific atrophy biomarkers, demonstrating mpMRI provides valuable information on cachexia progression. Impact: MR measures offer the potential to evaluate skeletal muscle fiber atrophy in preclinical models of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and more impotantly these results can be translated to patients with cancer cachexia