D-glucose as a safe, affordable MRI contrast for cancer
Official title: Development and Translation of D-glucose as a Diagnostic Agent for MRI of Cancer
Funded at Hugo W. Moser Res Inst Kennedy Krieger · NIH-11350962 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are testing a simple sugar, D-glucose, to help MRI scans show brain cancer more clearly and safely over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Hugo W. Moser Res Inst Kennedy Krieger NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $606,501 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EB034978-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11350962 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with brain tumors or individuals undergoing MRI for cancer assessment may be eligible, pending specific criteria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without brain tumors or those not eligible for MRI contrast studies may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
This project aims to develop D-glucose as a new MRI contrast agent, starting with brain cancer and potentially expanding to other uses. The approach leverages a natural compound to improve visualization of tumor delivery, uptake, and metabolism on MRI, with the goal of safer, repeatable imaging. The work includes translating findings toward clinical use, building on existing glucose use in medicine. If successful, this could provide a cost-effective option that minimizes interference with standard scans and reduces long-term safety concerns.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with brain cancer could benefit from clearer MRI images using a safer, inexpensive agent that can be used repeatedly.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows promise in using non-traditional contrast approaches; this project is a translational step toward clinical use with glucose-based imaging.
Where this research is happening
-
Hugo W. Moser Res Inst Kennedy Krieger
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Van Zijl, Peter Cm — Hugo W. Moser Res Inst Kennedy Krieger
- Study coordinator: Van Zijl, Peter Cm
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.