Improving MRI to better understand cancer metabolism
Official title: Plug-and-play Hyperpolarized MRI of Metabolism on Clinical Scanners
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11012301 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to use MRI scans to see how a substance called pyruvate is used in the body, especially in cancer patients, to help doctors better understand cancer and how well treatments are working.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | January 18, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $593,996 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EB034197-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11012301 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with various types of cancer who are undergoing treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those who are not undergoing any form of cancer treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing MRI technology to track how pyruvate, a key metabolite, is processed in the body, particularly in cancer patients. By using hyperpolarized MRI techniques, the study aims to increase the sensitivity of MRI scans, allowing for better detection of metabolic changes associated with cancer. Patients will receive injections of hyperpolarized 13C-pyruvate, and the resulting metabolic transformations will be monitored in real-time. This approach could provide valuable insights into cancer biology and treatment responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate diagnoses and treatment monitoring for cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results using hyperpolarized MRI techniques in cancer metabolism, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rosen, Matthew Scot — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Rosen, Matthew Scot
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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.