This non-invasive diagnostic quickly and reliably detects and monitors glucose metabolism in tissues and cancers. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death around the globe. Lactate production from glucose, even in the presence of sufficient oxygen, is a metabolic hallmark of many cancers. Current methods of measuring glucose metabolism in patients use radioactive isotopes (18FDG), but are not suitable when multiple images are needed because of the exposure to radiation in each scan. Radiation is contraindicated for use in the pediatric population. Using radioactive isotopes also requires specialized preparation and handling, requiring imaging to take place near the production site of radioisotopes because of their short half-life.
Researchers at the University of Florida have developed metabolic imaging that uses MRI technology to detect deuterated water (HDO) derived from cellular metabolism to determine if glycolysis is upregulated, an indication of cancer. This technology could lead to earlier treatment and improved patient outcomes and may have application in monitoring sepsis or diabetes and other diseases as well.
Quick, non-invasive, reliable metabolic imaging for cancer diagnosis and staging, especially in cases where multiple scans or a short time period between scans are required
This metabolic imaging uses MRI images to detect if glycolysis is upregulated in patients, an indication of cancer. Patients ingest or are injected with a glucose substrate, which is given time to metabolize before the patient undergoes imaging. When glucose is metabolized, water is a by-product and will contain deuterium (HDO). The MRI images will detect HDO to determine if glycolysis is upregulated, enabling doctors to detect, stage, and monitor cancer. Other deuterated products, such as lactate, can also be imaged and used to diagnose and monitor other diseases.
