Super-resolution Ultrasound Imaging Reveals 3D Radial Heterogeneity Associated with Tumor Infiltration Degree

As a sign of significant infiltration, the high inhomogeneity in the radial distribution of tumor peripheral microvessels can guide the identification of malignant tumors. However, clinical histology inhibits our ability to detect dynamic changes in tumor microvessels. Here, based on super-resolution ultrasound imaging (SRUS) techniques, we aim to achieve the non-invasive assessment of radial heterogeneity of tumor peripheral microvessels by calculating the standard deviations of these vascular parameters across 4 sectors along the radial direction in the tumor periphery. The observation of the LS174T tumor model established in the right flank region of the BLAB/c nude mouse proved that radial heterogeneity analysis of tumor peripheral microvessels can offer a better characterization of margin infiltration degree.