A non-invasive approach to monitor chronic lymphocytic leukemia engraftment in a xenograft mouse model using ultra-small superparamagnetic iron oxide-magnetic resonance imaging (USPIO-MRI)

作者：Valdora Francesca; Cutrona Giovanna; Matis Serena; Morabito Fortunato; Massucco Carlotta; Emionite Laura; Boccardo Simona; Basso Luca; Recchia Anna Grazia; Salvi Sandra; Rosa Francesca; Gentile Massimo; Ravina Marco; Pace Daniele; Castronovo Angela; Cilli Michele; Truini Mauro; Calabrese Massimo; Neri Antonino; Neumaier Carlo Emanuele; Fais Franco; Baio Gabriella; Ferrarini Manlio^*

来源：Clinical Immunology, 2016, 172: 52-60.

DOI：10.1016/j.clim.2016.07.013

• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Ultra-small superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO)
• Xenograft NSG mice model
• Disease monitoring

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most prevalent leukemia among adults. Despite its indolent nature, CLL remains an incurable disease. Herein we aimed to monitor CLL disease engraftment and, progression/regression in a xenograft CLL mouse model using ultra-small superparamagnetic iron oxide-magnetic resonance imaging (USPIO-MRI). Spleen contrast enhancement, quantified as percentage change in signal intensity upon USPIO administration, demonstrated a difference due to a reduced USPIO uptake, in the spleens of mice injected with CLL cells (NSG-CLL, n = 71) compared to controls (NSG-CTR, n = 17). These differences were statistically significant both after 2 and 4 weeks from CLL cells injection. In addition comparison of mice treated with rituximab with untreated controls for changes in spleen iron uptake confirmed that it is possible to monitor treatment efficacy in this mouse model of CLL using USPIO-enhanced MRI. Further applications could include the preclinical in vivo monitoring of new therapies and the clinical evaluation of CLL patients.

• 出版日期2016-11