Tissue Stresses of Cancer: A Phase I/II,Multi-centre, Feasibility Study to Image the Tissue Stiffness/Stresses to Predict Outcome in Breast Cancer

Magnetic Resonance Force (MRF) is based on Magnetic Resonance Elastography which uses mechanical waves to quantitatively assess the viscoelastic properties of tumours and the shift in interstitial fluid pressure (or stiffness) of tissues.

It generates 3D images of applied deformation via low frequency acoustic waves within the tissue and provides a snapshot of the apparent stiffening of the tumour border zone. Growth induced stretch of the tumour not only increases stiffness but also alters the apparent change in stiffness due to additional loading. Magnetic Resonance Force (MRF) provides measures of MRE and macro-deformation at multiple load states therefore enabling estimation of tissue properties as well as the stress load relation. Since the stress load relation is related to tumour swelling and modifications, it can be directly linked to the tumour pre-strain and provides an indicator of the underlying interstitial tumour pressure. Using biomechanical models it is possible to directly translate the stress load relation into an estimate of IFP. The same approach also allows quantifying the active pull by cell traction forces (CTFs) coming from the tumour and exerted onto its surroundings. While that force is directed inwards, the force generated by the elevated interstitial fluid pressure (IFP) is directed outwards allowing separation of both effects from each other. These forces represent one of the biomarkers which we will quantify within the this project using MRF.