One-scan MRI that shows how glioblastoma uses glucose
Single-scan, multi-contrast imaging of glucose metabolism in patients with glioblastoma
This approach uses a single MRI plus a safe, non-radioactive deuterated glucose drink to show how glioblastoma tumors process sugar in people with the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11252889 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would drink a safe, non-radioactive form of glucose and then have a specially timed MRI that detects deuterium, a stable atom added to the sugar. The scan is designed to highlight metabolic differences between tumor and normal brain in a single visit. This method builds on deuterium metabolic imaging to try to find active tumor more quickly than waiting for size changes on regular MRIs. The technique avoids radiation and aims to give clearer metabolic pictures to help guide care decisions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults diagnosed with glioblastoma who can safely undergo MRI and can drink the deuterated glucose solution are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who cannot have an MRI (for example due to implanted devices, severe claustrophobia, or inability to swallow the drink) or who have non-glioblastoma brain conditions may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could let doctors detect active tumor faster and make treatment decisions sooner without using radioactive PET scans.
How similar studies have performed: Early pilot studies using deuterium metabolic MRI and deuterated glucose have shown promising metabolic contrast, but applying a single-scan clinical protocol for glioblastoma is still relatively new.
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.