Morphological and elemental characterization of human Glioblastoma Multiforme by multiscale and multimodal synchrotron analysis

We want to evaluate morphologic and elemental parameters of the human Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) brain tumor by using multi-scale and multi-modal synchrotron techniques, i.e. X-ray phase contrast tomography (X-PCI-CT) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). GBM biopsies are studied to identify different tumor subtypes to be correlated with treatment outcome and illness progression. We intend: 1.to characterize the GBM microenvironment by micro & nano X-PCI-CT and quantify 3D microvasculature and cell stratification; 2.to characterize GBM elementally by XRF and create element maps within cells and vessels of GBM microenvironment; 3.to correlate synchrotron-derived information with parameters from non-invasive imaging, histopathology and molecular genetics; 4.to study the predictive value of the found parameters on disease classification and progression. Success in this study will have a tremendous impact on GBM diagnosis and therapy. This study is the extension of the pilot experiment MD1376.