Musculoskeletal

MRI is firmly established in the clinical setting for evaluating both structural and functional information, and musculoskeletal imaging is one of the most important indications. It's use has spread in recent years to the clinical trials setting. In particular, dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) MRI is increasingly being used to model the concentration of contrast agent as it moves from the blood vasculature to the extra cellular interstitial space; this technique is already widely used in the assessment of anti-angiogenic therapies. Recent research has indicated that the dynamics of the enhancing synovium in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients change significantly following administration of disease modifying therapies. At IXICO, we optimise the acquisition protocol to give high temporal and spatial resolution volume images of the affected region to enable accurate quantification of changes in the pharmacokinetic parameters. Such analysis can provide information to effectively categorize drug efficacy allowing smaller groups for trials and early go/no go decisions.

For longer term assessment of disease progression, structural MRI is used to quantify bone erosion and bone edema changes.

Key Characteristics of IXICO Service

• Acquisition Design: Our expertise in imaging systems means that we have the knowledge to optimize sequences across all major scanner vendors, specific to the study. We consider subject stability, image quality and suitability of sequences for image analysis
• Project Management: Working closely with sites to ensure strict protocol compliance, accurate and fast data transfer and quick response to site queries is pivotal in successfully managing multi-center trials. IXICO performs on-site training and qualification for sophisticated imaging methods, with on-going scanner QC, trouble-shooting and regular site communication.
• Analysis: IXICO’s semi-automated workflows are characterized by quality enforcement and include maximizing sensitivity for DCE-MRI through interframe and between visit alignment.
• Output: Complete analysis of pharmacokinetic parameters and bone lesion load delivered in a format to meet your needs

IXICO works within an ISO 9001:2008 certified Quality Management System, with the provenance of the image analysis results stored in an XML file to provide a complete electronic audit trail.