Advanced Diffusion Imaging and Tc-99m DTPA Scans for Oncologic Control and Renal Functional Reserve Measurement in Patients with Kidney Cancer
This phase IV trial studies new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques and Tc-99m diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) scans for oncologic control and renal functional reserve measurement on patients with kidney cancer. Diffusion MRI measures the diffusion of water in the tissue, rather than the content of water as measured in conventional MRI, which can provide insight into the microscopic details of tissue architecture. The DTPA scan consists of a radiotracer injection, technetium Tc-99m DTPA, to measure kidney function. When a radiotracer is injected into the body, it builds up in certain areas of the body. Radiotracers go to the area of the body that needs to be examined, such as a cancerous tumor. They can also bind to certain proteins in the body. These techniques may show the type of the tumor and how much risk it poses to the patient, and also predict whether the rest of the kidney tissue that remains will function normally after the tumor is removed. Information gained from both of these aspects would be helpful in caring for kidney cancer patients in the future.