Implementation and evaluation of a dynamic contrast enhanced MR perfusion protocol for glioblastoma using a 0.35T MRI-Linac system

PURPOSE: MRI-linear accelerator (MRI-Linac) systems allow for daily tracking of MRI changes during radiotherapy (RT). Since one common MRI-Linac operates at 0.35T, there are efforts towards developing protocols at that field strength. In this study we demonstrate the implementation of a post-contrast 3DT1-weighted (3DT1w) and dynamic contrast enhancement (DCE) protocol to assess glioblastoma response to RT using a 0.35T MRI-Linac. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The protocol implemented was used to acquire 3DT1w and DCE data from a flow phantom and two patients with glioblastoma (a responder and a non-responder) who underwent RT on a 0.35T-MRI-Linac. The detection of post-contrast enhanced volumes was evaluated by comparing the 3DT1w images from the 0.35T-MRI-Linac to images obtained using a 3T-standalone scanner. The DCE data were tested temporally and spatially using data from the flow phantom and patients. K(trans) maps were derived from DCE at three time points (a week before treatment–Pre RT, four weeks through treatment–Mid RT, and three weeks after treatment–Post RT) and were validated with patients’ treatment outcomes. RESULTS: The 3D-T1 contrast enhancement volumes were visually and volumetrically similar (±0.6–3.6%) between 0.35T MRI-Linac and 3T. DCE images showed temporal stability, and associated K(trans) maps were consistent with patient response to treatment. On average, K(trans) values showed a 54% decrease and 8.6% increase for a responder and non-responder respectively when Pre RT and Mid RT images were compared. CONCLUSION: Our findings support the feasibility of obtaining post-contrast 3DT1w and DCE data from patients with glioblastoma using a 0.35T MRI-Linac system.