Imaging Tumor Metabolism Using In Vivo Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Abstract

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is a powerful tool for noninvasively investigating normal and abnormal metabolism. When used in combination with imaging strategies, multi-nuclear MRS methods provide detailed biochemical information that can be directly correlated with anatomical features. Hyperpolarized 13C MRS is a new technology that reflects real-time metabolic conversion and is likely to be extremely valuable in managing patients with cancer. This article reviews the use of in vivo 31P, 1H, and 13C MRS for assessing cancer metabolism in order to provide information for diagnosis, planning treatment, assessing response to therapy, and predicting survival for patients with cancer.

Quantitative multi-modal MR imaging as a non-invasive prognostic tool for patients with recurrent low-grade glioma

“…We are continuing to clinically follow the patients in this study, and will directly assess the degree to which these imaging data predict OS when median OS for is reached. Future studies will also benefit from emerging advanced imaging techniques such as spectroscopic detection of 2-hydroxyglutarate [29] and 13 C spectroscopy [30]. …”

Background, current role, and potential applications of radiogenomics

“…In DWI, advanced techniques such as intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM), stretched exponential DWI, and DW kurtosis imaging (DKI) are being investigated and show promise to provide additional robust imaging biomarkers that can be incorporated in radiogenomic studies . Other MRI techniques that can potentially provide imaging biomarkers for radiogenomic research include spectroscopy, proton, phosphorus, lipid, sodium imaging, chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) imaging, BOLD, or arterial spin labeling MRI . In this respect, radiogenomics is still in its infancy and data are still scarce.…”

The Potential of Metabolic Imaging

“…67 Thus, with the introduction of HP MRI techniques, altered metabolism in cancer has evolved as a major target. HP [1- 13 C] pyruvate is the most widely used molecule in HP MRI.…”

“…129, 130 Because of these changes, several molecules have been used to follow changes in the microenvironment. Scintigraphic detection of inflammation using non-specific tracers such as 67 Gallium citrate, labeled non-specific immunoglobulins and liposomes has been tested in different pathologies. The main limitation is the high background uptake due to high permeability in well-perfused organs.…”