Deuterated glucose imaging to see how brain tumors use sugar
Validation of imaging brain tumor metabolism using deuterated glucose
['FUNDING_R01'] · YALE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11307155
This work uses a safe, nonradioactive form of glucose and special MRI scans to show how brain tumors process sugar in people with brain cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | YALE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11307155 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you join, you would receive a nonradioactive, deuterated form of glucose and have MRI-based metabolic scans called deuterium metabolic imaging (DMI). The scans map glucose and its breakdown products, like lactate and glutamate, throughout the brain in three dimensions. Because normal brain tissue and tumors take up glucose differently, these images aim to highlight tumor metabolism more clearly than standard FDG-PET in many cases. The team at Yale will compare the DMI images to usual imaging to validate whether this approach reliably shows tumor metabolic activity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a confirmed or suspected brain tumor who can safely undergo MRI and receive deuterated glucose would be the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who cannot have MRI (for example due to certain implanted devices or severe claustrophobia) or who cannot receive the tracer would not be able to participate or benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could give patients a nonradioactive way to see tumor metabolism more clearly, aiding diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment planning.
How similar studies have performed: Early animal studies and preliminary human work with deuterium metabolic imaging show promise, but the approach is still relatively new and needs further validation in patients.
Where this research is happening
NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES
- YALE UNIVERSITY — NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DE FEYTER, HENK — YALE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: DE FEYTER, HENK
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 below.
Conditions: Brain Cancer