Deuterium MRI to map tumor glucose use in glioblastoma
Development of Quantitative Deuterium MRS Imaging for Human Brain Tumor Application at Ultrahigh Field
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · NIH-10922693
Developing a deuterium-based MRI method to map how adult glioblastoma tumors use glucose.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10922693 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project is developing a noninvasive MRI method that uses a safe, non-radioactive deuterium tracer to visualize tumor glucose metabolism in three dimensions. Scans are performed at ultrahigh magnetic field strength to improve sensitivity and spatial detail inside the brain. The technique aims to reveal metabolic differences and hotspots within glioblastoma that are not visible on conventional imaging. Over time this could allow repeat scans to follow tumor progression or response to treatments without surgical sampling.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (21+) with a diagnosed glioblastoma or other high-grade brain tumor who can safely undergo ultrahigh-field MRI would be the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without brain tumors, children under 21, or anyone unable to have an ultrahigh-field MRI (for example due to incompatible implants or severe claustrophobia) are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could let doctors see tumor metabolic activity noninvasively to help guide prognosis and treatment decisions.
How similar studies have performed: FDG-PET metabolic imaging is established clinically, but deuterium MRS at ultrahigh-field is a newer, early-stage approach with limited prior clinical use.
Where this research is happening
MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA — MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CHEN, WEI — UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
- Study coordinator: CHEN, WEI
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.