Multiscale morphological characterization of human Glioblastoma Multiforme

The objective of this study is to evaluate morphologic parameters of the human Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) brain tumor by applying multi-scale X-ray phase contrast tomography (X-PCI-CT). GBM biopsies are studied extensively by non-invasive imaging, by histopathology and by molecular genetics to characterize different biologic subtypes to be correlated with the treatment outcome and illness progression. The goals of this study are: 1. to characterize GBM morphology by using high-resolution X-PCI-CT virtual histology and three-dimensionally (3D) visualize information that are not accessible with histopathology; 2. to correlate morphologic information unique to X-PCI-CT (e.g. 3D microvasculature and 3D cell stratification) with parameters from non-invasive imaging, histopathology and molecular genetics; 3. to study the predictive value of X-PCI-CT parameters on disease classification and progression. Results of this study could tremendously affect diagnosis and therapy of GBM.