Detection of bone marrow lesions was improved by ferumoxtran-10-enhanced MR imaging

09-21-2006

According to a recent report, researchers in Germany conducted a study "to quantify permeability changes of the 'blood-bone marrow barrier' (BMB) and to detect malignant bone marrow infiltrations before and after conditioning therapy for subsequent leukapheresis using ferumoxtran-10-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Twenty-two patients with malignant non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL), including 9 patients (group A) before and 13 patients (group B) after conditioning therapy, underwent MR of the spine before and after infusion of ferumoxtran-10 (.045 mmol Fe/kg BW)."

"Pulse sequences comprised dynamic T1-GE and pre- and post-contrast T1-SE and STIR sequences," explained S. Metz and colleagues, Technical University of Munich. "Dynamic Delta SI-data were correlated with the quantity of mobilized CD34+ cells. In addition, the number of focal bone marrow lesions was compared before and after ferumoxtran-10 administration.

"Dynamic Delta SI-data were higher in group B than in group A, indicating an increased BMB permeability after conditioning therapy. However, Delta SI-data did not correlate with the quantity of mobilized CD34+ cells. Ferumoxtran-10-enhanced STIR images demonstrated a significant signal decline of the normal, non-neoplastic bone marrow and a significantly increased detection of focal neoplastic lesions compared to pre-contrast images (p<.05). Ferumoxtran-10 depicted the bone marrow response to conditioning therapy by an increase in BMB-permeability, which, however, did not correlate with the number of mobilized CD34+ cells."

The researchers concluded, "Ferumoxtran-10 improved the detection of focal bone marrow lesions significantly (p<.05)."

Metz and colleagues published their study in European Radiology (Ferumoxtran-10-enhanced MR imaging of the bone marrow before and after conditioning therapy in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Eur Radiol, 2006;16(3):598-607).

For additional information, contact S. Metz, Technical University of Munich, Dept. Diagnostic Radiol, Ismaninger Str 22, D-81675 Munich, Germany.

This article was prepared by Clinical Oncology Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2006, Clinical Oncology Week via NewsRx.com.