Biophysical analysis of hepatocellular carcinoma and tumor niche in an orthotopic mouse model with diffusion MRI and MR elastography

Motivation: The biomechanical interplay between hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the hosting liver is poorly understood. Goal(s): To characterize the development of HCC and its interactions with the surrounding liver using imaging-based biophysical properties. Approach: We investigated longitudinally HCC and the host liver in an orthotopic mouse model using MR elastography (MRE) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). Results: During tumor development, the host liver became softer with reduced viscosity and restricted water diffusivity while HCC became stiffer, less viscous and restricted water diffusivity. Impact: Preclinical MRE is a useful tool to study biomechanical properties of tumors and the tumor environment. In a mouse model of hepatocellular carcinoma, we showed for the first time how liver tumors shape their biomechanical niche in the hosting liver.