Contrast-enhanced ultrasound analysis of tissue perfusion in tumor-bearing mice following treatment with endostatin combined with radiotherapy

The aim of this study was to observe the effects of Endostar (recombinant human endostatin) and radiotherapy, singly or in combination, on blood flow in mouse tumour tissue using ultrasound imaging. The ultrasound contrast agent, SonoVue, was used for the contrast-enhanced ultrasound examinations. SonoLiver software was used to analyse dynamic vascular patterns (DVPs) in the contrast process. Blood perfusion data were collected and statistical analysis was performed for data processing. Results were presented as DVP curves and quantitative parameters. Quantitative parameters showed statistically significant (P<0.05) differences in peak strength, rise time, time to peak and mean transit time among the various treatment groups. Changes in tumour blood perfusion were quantified by the assessment of contrast-enhanced ultrasound parameters. The results indirectly reflected the degree of change in angiogenesis in the tumour following experimental intervention. Ultrasound contrast imaging effectively showed the extent of the changes in vascularity and flow state. Therefore, contrast-enhanced ultrasound is suitable for use as an indicator of blood flow changes in an experimental model.