Metabolic imaging using hyperpolarized carbon‑13 for IDH‑mutant glioma
Project 2: Novel hyperpolarized C-13 imaging as metabolic markers of response in IDH mutant glioma
A new metabolic MRI using hyperpolarized carbon‑13 aims to reveal tumor metabolism and early treatment response in adults with IDH‑mutant glioma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11178469 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses specialized MRI tracers called hyperpolarized carbon‑13 compounds to watch how tumor cells process key metabolites in real time. Researchers will apply tracers such as [2‑13C]pyruvate and [1‑13C]alpha‑ketoglutarate to detect metabolic changes tied to IDH mutations and the oncometabolite 2‑hydroxyglutarate. Work will move from preclinical testing toward scanning adults with IDH‑mutant gliomas, focusing on tumors that do not enhance on standard MRI and are hard to separate from edema. The goal is to provide clearer metabolic maps of tumor boundaries and earlier signals of treatment effect than conventional imaging offers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults age 21 and older with confirmed IDH‑mutant glioma, including newly diagnosed and post‑treatment patients with non‑enhancing lesions, would be the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without IDH mutations, children under 21, or patients who cannot safely undergo MRI (for example due to certain implants) are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could let clinicians see tumor metabolism and detect treatment response earlier, helping guide care and follow‑up decisions.
How similar studies have performed: Hyperpolarized carbon‑13 imaging has shown promising results in glioblastoma and other tumors, but applying it specifically to IDH‑mutant glioma is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chang, Susan M — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Chang, Susan M
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.