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Publications

Journal Article Epublish

PubMed: 40274951 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-97943-y

Enhanced detection of glioblastoma vasculature with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and MRI.

Sci Rep 15(1):14283

Authors: Phillip W Janowicz, Thomas Boele, Richard T Maschmeyer, Yaser H Gholami, Emma G Kempe, Brett W Stringer, Shihani P Stoner, Marie Zhang, Taymin du Toit-Thompson, Fern Williams, Aude Touffu, Lenka Munoz, Zdenka Kuncic, Caterina Brighi, David E J Waddington

Affiliations

  • Image X Institute, Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
  • Image X Institute, Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
  • School of Physics, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
  • School of Physics, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia. School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
  • Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
  • Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia.
  • Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia.
  • Imagion Biosystems Ltd, Melbourne, Australia.
  • The Sydney Nano Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
  • Image X Institute, Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.

Abstract

Detecting glioblastoma infiltration in the brain is challenging due to limited MRI contrast beyond the enhancing tumour core. This study aims to investigate the potential of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) as contrast agents for improved detection of diffuse brain cancer. We examine the distribution and pharmacokinetics of SPIONs in glioblastoma models with intact and disrupted blood-brain barriers. Using MRI, we imaged RN1-luc and U87MG mice injected with Gadovist and SPIONs, observing differences in blood-brain barrier permeability. Peripheral imaging showed strong uptake of nanoparticles in the liver and spleen, while vascular and renal signals were transient. Susceptibility gradient mapping enabled positive nanoparticle contrast within tumours and provided additional information on tumour angiogenesis. This approach offers a novel method for detecting diffuse brain cancer. Our findings demonstrate that SPIONs enhance glioblastoma detection beyond conventional MRI, providing insights into tumour angiogenesis and opening new avenues for early diagnosis and targeted treatment strategies.

MeSH

Blood-Brain Barrier, Brain Neoplasms, Blood, Nanoparticles, Brain, Neoplasms, Glioblastoma, Angiogenesis