Synopsis

Keywords: Cross-organ: Cancer, Cross-organ: Oxygenation, Contrast mechanisms: Relaxometry

Hypoxia is associated with tumor growth and development, and strongly influences some treatment response. Various MRI techniques have been developed to assess tumor hypoxia and dynamic response to interventions non-invasively. ¹⁹F, ¹H or ESR provide quantitative estimates of pO₂ revealing intra tumoral heterogeneity and differential response to interventions, but require exogenous reporter agents. Recently, oxygen-sensitive approaches based on direct interrogation of tissue water (R₂* and R₁) have been demonstrated in both pre-clinical studies and translational trials in humans, as potential predictive imaging biomarkers. The review will consider state of the art and future opportunities for development and applications.