Using a new imaging technique to study brain tumor metabolism

Validation of imaging brain tumor metabolism using deuterated glucose

NIH-funded research Yale University · NIH-11105968

This study is testing a new imaging technique that uses a special form of glucose to help doctors see how brain tumors use sugar differently than healthy brain tissue, which could lead to better ways to diagnose and treat these tumors.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionYale University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New Haven, United States)
Project IDNIH-11105968 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel imaging method called deuterium metabolic imaging (DMI) to better understand how brain tumors metabolize glucose. Traditional imaging techniques often fail to distinguish between healthy brain tissue and tumors due to similar glucose uptake patterns. By using a non-radioactive form of glucose, this study aims to visualize abnormal glucose metabolism in brain tumors, which could improve diagnosis and treatment planning. Patients will receive deuterated glucose, and the imaging will reveal insights into tumor metabolism that are currently difficult to obtain.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with brain tumors who require metabolic imaging for treatment planning.

Not a fit: Patients with non-cancerous brain conditions or those who do not have brain tumors may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate diagnosis and better management of brain tumors through enhanced metabolic imaging.

How similar studies have performed: While traditional imaging methods have limitations, this approach using DMI is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in brain tumor patients.

Where this research is happening

New Haven, 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.
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.