Angiogenesis and molecular imaging (AMI)

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Phase I study to investigate angiogenesis and molecular imaging of tumour perfusion using Dynamic-CT, Dynamic PET-CT, DCE-MRI and DW-MRI in gynaecological cancer patients (AMI)

• IRAS ID

  202220

• Contact name

  Anju Sahdev

• Contact email

  a.sahdev@nhs.net

• Sponsor organisation

  Barts Health NHS Trust

• Duration of Study in the UK

  5 years, 0 months, 0 days

• Research summary

  AMI is aimed to determine the most effective molecular imaging techniques for identifying and mapping angiogenesis using novel sequence technologies in computer tomography (CT), dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) and Diffusion Weighted Imaging -Magnetic Resonance Imaging (DWI-MRI) and hybrid imaging modalities of positron emission tomography-computer tomography (PET-CT) to establish an accurate diagnostic and prognostic overview for the treatment of patients with inoperable gynecological tumors.
  Gynecological cancers are a poorly evaluated area of research with a high mortality mainly due to delayed diagnosis, limited treatment options due to a limited understanding of tumor microenvironment and angiogenesis. Angiogenesis studies in vivo and vitro amongst patients with pelvic tumors have indicated that specific endothelial molecules known as vascular endothelial growth factor and receptors (VEGF/VEGFR) and Integrins’ α, β and μ overexpression are associated with abnormal angiogenesis and distant metastasis. However, targeting angiogenesis for treatment has been challenging due to hypoxic and necrotic areas of the tumor preventing chemotherapy to be optimally delivered to the local tumour environment. Therefore, an alternative non-invasive method is essential to study and understand the angiogenic map. By using our proposed novel sequences within existing imaging technologies available, a better understanding of angiogenesis within this group of patients will provide a more accurate overview of tumor perfusion. This data will be critical to design more effective anti-angiogenic therapies and support future clinical trials not just in imaging but also investigational medicinal products.

• REC name

  London - Fulham Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  17/LO/0478

• Date of REC Opinion

  30 Mar 2017

• REC opinion

  Favourable Opinion