Fast MRI Technique Shows Potential for Brain Tumour Assessment
Fabian Küppers, Mohamed Kassem, Seong Dae Yun, Gabriele Stoffels, Christian Filß, Norbert Galldiks, Felix M. Mottaghy, M. Eline Kooi, Karl-Josef Langen, Philipp Lohmann, N. Jon Shah
2nd April 2025
A recent study conducted by INM-4 researchers has explored the use of a novel rapid MRI sequence—gradient-echo spin-echo echo-planar imaging with keyhole (GE-SE EPIK)—to assess brain tumour characteristics within a clinically practical acquisition time of approximately two minutes.
The technique allows for the simultaneous estimation of several tissue parameters, including the oxygen extraction fraction (OEF), which has been associated with tumour metabolism and tissue hypoxia. Researchers evaluated how these MRI-derived measurements corresponded with tumour regions identified via [¹⁸F]FET-PET imaging and conventional MRI (FLAIR) in a retrospective study involving 57 patients with histologically confirmed brain tumours.
The results showed statistically significant differences between tumour and contralateral reference tissue in several parameters (such as T2, T2*, and venous cerebral blood volume and OEF). Some of these measures moderately correlated with PET tracer uptake. However, OEF did not show a clear relationship with PET-defined metabolic activity, and differences between tumour types were limited. Additionally, susceptibility artifacts—particularly in T2* and OEF maps—along with treatment-related changes constrained the method’s diagnostic reliability.
While GE-SE EPIK demonstrates promise as a fast, multi-parametric imaging tool, the authors conclude that further research is needed to enhance its robustness and determine its clinical relevance for brain tumour characterisation and monitoring.
