Prospective Evaluation of MRI Biomarkers in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Assessing the Utility of Macromolecular Dynamic Contrast Enhanced MRI and Diffusion Weighted Imaging as Biomarkers for Vascular Permeability and Fibrosis in Pancreatic Cancer

This is a prospective cohort study in participants with pancreatic adenocarcinoma who are undergoing surgical resection. Participants will have up to two magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans with and without intravenous contrast. The MRI will be performed using either an extracellular contrast agent or using a macromolecular contrast agent. These contrast agents are routinely used in body MRI and are on formulary at this institution. Parameters will be compared to histopathology measures of mean vascular density and grade of fibrosis, respectively. The purpose is to establish a standard protocol for future clinical trials of treatments that would use MRI parameters as quantitative markers of treatment effect.

This is a prospective cohort study of dynamic contrast enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI), which includes diffusion weighted imaging (DWI-MRI) in participants with pancreatic adenocarcinoma who are undergoing surgical resection. Participants will have up to two MRI scans with and without intravenous contrast. The MRI will be performed using either an extracellular contrast agent or using a macromolecular contrast agent. These contrast agents are routinely used in body MRI and are on formulary at this institution. Quantitative parameters of volume transfer coefficient (Ktrans) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) will be calculated from the MRI sequences and each parameter will be compared to histopathology measures of mean vascular density and grade of fibrosis, respectively. The influence of the contrast agent (extracellular and macromolecular) on agreement between imaging parameters and histopathology will be assessed and agreement in Ktrans as derived from a one compartment and a two-compartment model will be assessed. If a participant is unable to receive intravenous contrast due to renal dysfunction or refuses IV contrast, the non-contrast portion of the exam will be used for analysis. The purpose is to establish a standard protocol for future clinical trials of treatments that would use MRI parameters as quantitative markers of treatment effect.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. > 18 years of age.
2. Biopsy proved pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) and/or a pancreatic mass with imaging features suggestive of pancreatic adenocarcinoma planned for surgical resection.
3. No contraindication to MRI such as severe claustrophobia (not alleviated by oral anti-anxiolytics) or metal/mechanical devices in their body not considered magnetic resonance (MR) compatible at 1.5 Tesla (departmental MRI safety screening form)
4. No known allergy to gadolinium based contrast agent
5. For contrast enhanced studies, participant has an estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) >30 mg/dL using the modification of diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formula. If the participant has an estimated GFR ≤30 mg/dL, they can still participate but no intravenous contrast will be administered.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Contraindication to MR imaging
2. Pregnancy