R1-R2* relaxivity captures altered iron homeostasis in normal appearing contratumoral brain regions of glioblastoma patients

Motivation: Our aim is to obtain a robust quantitative MRI measure of iron homeostasis which can further help predict glioblastoma patients' treatment outcome. Goal(s): Can MR relaxometry-derived measures associated with iron homeostasis be linked to neuropathological factors and patients' survival? Approach: Using an innovative quantitative MRI technique (R1-R2* relaxivity), we examined iron homeostasis across contratumoral brain regions in glioblastoma patients, aiming to link these patterns with patient outcomes and neuropathological factors. Moreover, we compared the predictive power of the R1-R2* relaxivity measure with that of R1 and R2*. Results: R1-R2* relaxivity in multiple brain regions showed associations with patients' specific characteristics. Impact: This study explores iron homeostasis in the "non-affected" hemisphere in glioblastoma patients. R1-R2* relaxivity model could serve as a valuable non-invasive biomarker for iron homeostasis, potentially allowing early detection of recurrence and guiding clinical decision making and treatment planning.