High‐resolution 3D imaging of microvascular architecture in human glioma tissues using X‐ray phase‐contrast computed tomography as a potential adjunct to histopathology

Abstract

Gliomas are rich in blood vessels, and the generation of tumor-associated vessels plays an important role in glioma growth and transfer. Histology can directly depict microvascular architecture in the tumor, but it just provides two-dimensional (2D) images obtained by destroying three-dimensional (3D) tissue specimens. There is a lack of high-resolution 3D imaging methods for observing the microvasculature throughout the entire specimens. X-ray phase-contrast computed tomography (PCCT) which is an emerging imaging method has demonstrated its outstanding potential in imaging soft tissues.Thus, this study aims to evaluate the potential of PCCT as an adjunct to histopathology in nondestructive and 3D visualization of the microvascular architecture in human glioma tissues. In this study, seven resected glioma tissues were scanned via PCCT and then processed histologically. The obtained PCCT data was analyzed and compared with corresponding histological results. Significant anatomical structures of the glioma such as microvessels, thrombi inside the microvessels, and areas of vascular proliferation could be clearly presented via PCCT, confirmed by the histological findings. Moreover, PCCT data also provided additional 3D information such as morphological alterations of the microvasculature, 3D distribution of the thrombi and stenosis severity of the vessels in glioma tissues, which cannot be fully analyzed in 2D histological slices. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that PCCT can offer excellent images at a near-histological level and additional valuable information in screening gliomas, without impeding further histological investigations.Thus, this technique could be potentially used as an adjunct to conventional histopathology in 3D nondestructive characterization of glioma vasculature. K E Y W O R D S glioma, microthrombi, microvascular architecture, X-ray phase-contrast computed tomography Wenxue Zhang and Jianbo Jian contributed equally to this study.

3D Spatial Distribution of Nanoparticles in Mice Brain Metastases by X-ray Phase-Contrast Tomography

“…We believe the knowledge of the NPs amount retained in tumors plays a fundamental role in predicting the NPs’ radiosensitizing effects in the further step of tumor irradiation. Since XPCT is a well-consolidated method for characterizing the vascular system ( 58 , 59 ), it is also capable of revealing if NPs content is still entrapped in the vessels. Thus, it would help in establishing the most effective time for the tumor irradiation, depending on the most homogeneous NPs distribution in tumors.…”

Hybrid Nanoparticles as Theranostics Platforms for Glioblastoma Treatment: Phototherapeutic and X-ray Phase Contrast Tomography Investigations

“…Here, we report preliminary in vivo studies based on the phototherapeutic treatment of human GBM xenograft mouse model after Ir 1 or Ir 1 -AuSiO 2 intratumoral injection. Highresolution X-ray phase-contrast tomography (XPCT) [33,34] was employed to image the three-dimensional tumor vascular network with microscale resolution of ex vivo samples. In Figure 1a, a schematic illustration shows the treatment diagram and the effects of the nanotherapeutic agent, whereas Figure 1b shows a table of a direct comparison of Ir 1 and Ir 1 -AuSiO 2 properties and resulting advantages and disadvantages for in vivo photo-theranostics application.…”

Glioblastoma Treatments with Photo-Nanotherapeutics Induce Massive Devascularization and Tumor Elimination

“…31 Here, we report in vivo results based onto the phototherapeutic treatment of human GBM xenograft mouse model after Ir 1 -AuSiO 2 intratumoral injection, observing regression and complete tumor elimination without relapse. High-resolution X-ray phase contrast tomography (XPCT), 33,34 was employed to image the 3D tumor vascular network with microscale resolution of ex vivo samples, shedding light on the mechanism underlying the tumor eradication. A schematic illustration summarizing the in vivo therapeutic approach is displayed in Figure 1.…”