Unveiling the next generation of MRI contrast agents: current insights and perspectives on ferumoxytol-enhanced MRI

Guangxiang Si; Yue Du; Peng Tang; Gao Ma; Zhaochen Jia; Xiaoyue Zhou; Dan Mu; Yan Shen; Yi Lu; Yu Mao; Chuan Chen; Yan Li; Ning Gu

doi:10.1093/nsr/nwae057

Unveiling the next generation of MRI contrast agents: current insights and perspectives on ferumoxytol-enhanced MRI

Natl Sci Rev. 2024 Feb 7;11(5):nwae057. doi: 10.1093/nsr/nwae057. eCollection 2024 May.

Authors

Guangxiang Si¹, Yue Du², Peng Tang², Gao Ma³, Zhaochen Jia¹, Xiaoyue Zhou⁴, Dan Mu⁵, Yan Shen², Yi Lu⁶, Yu Mao⁷, Chuan Chen¹, Yan Li¹, Ning Gu^{7

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Affiliations

¹ Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Devices, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China.
² Key Laboratory for Bio-Electromagnetic Environment and Advanced Medical Theranostics, School of Biomedical Engineering and Informatics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.
³ Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.
⁴ MR Collaboration, Siemens Healthineers Ltd., Shanghai 200126, China.
⁵ Department of Radiology, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China.
⁶ School of Mathematical Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China.
⁷ Nanjing Key Laboratory for Cardiovascular Information and Health Engineering Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China.

Abstract

Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI) is a pivotal tool for global disease diagnosis and management. Since its clinical availability in 2009, the off-label use of ferumoxytol for ferumoxytol-enhanced MRI (FE-MRI) has significantly reshaped CE-MRI practices. Unlike MRI that is enhanced by gadolinium-based contrast agents, FE-MRI offers advantages such as reduced contrast agent dosage, extended imaging windows, no nephrotoxicity, higher MRI time efficiency and the capability for molecular imaging. As a leading superparamagnetic iron oxide contrast agent, ferumoxytol is heralded as the next generation of contrast agents. This review delineates the pivotal clinical applications and inherent technical superiority of FE-MRI, providing an avant-garde medical-engineering interdisciplinary lens, thus bridging the gap between clinical demands and engineering innovations. Concurrently, we spotlight the emerging imaging themes and new technical breakthroughs. Lastly, we share our own insights on the potential trajectory of FE-MRI, shedding light on its future within the medical imaging realm.

Keywords: contrast agent; contrast-enhanced MRI; ferumoxytol; ferumoxytol-enhanced MRI.

Publication types

Review