Measuring metabolic activity in prostate cancer bone metastases using advanced MRI techniques

Measuring Metabolic Activity in Prostate Cancer Bone Metastases Using Hyperpolarized 13C Pyruvate MRI for Improved Targeted Therapy Monitoring

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10983759

This study is testing a new type of MRI that uses a special substance to see how well prostate cancer treatments are working in bone metastases, helping doctors spot early signs of success or resistance to therapy so they can better care for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-10983759 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel imaging technique using hyperpolarized 13C-pyruvate MRI to measure metabolic activity in bone metastases from prostate cancer. The goal is to provide a more accurate and timely assessment of how well patients are responding to targeted therapies. By quantifying the conversion rates of pyruvate to lactate, the study aims to identify early signs of treatment effectiveness or resistance. This approach could lead to improved monitoring of treatment responses, ultimately enhancing patient care and outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with advanced prostate cancer who have developed bone metastases.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage prostate cancer or those without bone metastases may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective monitoring of treatment responses in prostate cancer patients, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise with similar imaging techniques, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions advanced diseaseadvanced prostate cancerandrogen independent prostate cancerandrogen indifferent prostate cancerandrogen insensitive prostate cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.