MRI quantitative hemodynamic parameter histogram assement of hepatocellular carcinoma development in a rabbit VX2 liver cancer model

Background Nowadays, liver cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the world. Therefore, it is very important to understand tumor progression and evaluate tumor microcirculation for treatment strategy. Objective To explore the application of MRI quantitative hemodynamic parameter histogram analysis in the development of a rabbit VX2 liver cancer. Methods Five New Zealand white rabbits were randomly selected each time for liver Dynamic contrast- enhanced MR perfusion (DCE-MRI) imaging at the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th weeks after liver tumor implantation. The dynamic changes and the significant differences between the tumor volume and related derived parameters during tumor progression were compared and analyzed. Results In the development of the VX2 liver cancer model, the tumor volume between the end of 1 similar to 5w group (F = 44.11; P = 0.000) was statistically significant (P < 0.01), and the significant differences were found between the 5th week and the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th week, the 4th week and the 1st, 2nd week, the 3rd week and the 5th week (P < 0.01), respectively. The skewness and kurtosis of the volume transport constant (Ktrans) value, the maximum, 90th percentile and skewness of the reverse reflux rate constant (Kep) value, and the skewness, kurtosis, 75th and 90th percentiles of the plasma fraction (Vp) value were statistically significant (P < 0.05) at the end of each week. The 10th, 25th, 50th percentiles of the Kep value, the 10th, 25th percentiles of the extracellular space (EES) fraction (Ve) value, the 10th percentile of the Vp value was positively correlated with tumor volume (r > 0, P < 0.05). The expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) was negatively correlated with the mean, 75th percentile of the Ktrans value, the 50th, 75th percentiles of the Kep value, the mean, minimum of the Vp value (r < 0, P<0.05). It was positively correlated with the skewness, kurtosis of the Ktrans value, the skewness of the Vp value (r > 0, P<0.05). Conclusions MRI quantitative hemodynamic parameter histogram analysis can reflect the progress of the rabbit VX2 liver cancer. In particular, the skewness, kurtosis and percentiles of Ktrans, Kep and Vp can reflect the microvascular information and can be used as biomarkers to assess the development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma(HCC).