Optimisation of T1 measurement sensitivity for Oxygen-Enhanced MRI assessment of hypoxia in patients with head and neck cancers

Hypoxia is an important prognostic factor for head and neck cancers (HNC). Oxygen-Enhanced MRI (OE-MRI) can map hypoxia, by quantifying change in longitudinal relaxation time, T1, but the technique suffers from low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), which reduces the sensitivity of hypoxia detection. We optimised standard T1 mapping methods on a 1.5T scanner, to select an accurate, precise, and high SNR sequence, derived in a phantom and in healthy volunteers. 3D Variable Flip Angle spoiled gradient-echo acquisition with view-sharing, flip angles 2o and 8-10o and with B1 correction applied provided suitable protocol for clinical application.