Using advanced MRI to predict how aggressive kidney tumors are

Translating Hyperpolarized 13C Metabolic MRI to Predict Renal Tumor Aggressiveness

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11002704

This study is testing a new type of MRI that uses a special substance to help doctors see how active kidney tumors are, which could help them tell apart harmless tumors from more serious ones, ultimately making it easier for patients to avoid unnecessary surgeries.

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-11002704 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on using hyperpolarized 13C pyruvate MRI as a noninvasive imaging technique to assess the aggressiveness of kidney tumors. By analyzing the metabolic activity of these tumors, the study aims to differentiate between benign and malignant tumors more accurately than current methods. This could help reduce unnecessary surgeries and associated risks for patients with indolent tumors. The approach seeks to improve patient management by providing clearer insights into tumor behavior.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with localized renal tumors who are facing uncertainty regarding the aggressiveness of their condition.

Not a fit: Patients with advanced renal cancer or those who do not have renal tumors may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate diagnoses and better treatment decisions for patients with kidney tumors.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques for cancer diagnosis, suggesting that this approach may also yield successful outcomes.

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 cancer cell metabolismcancer metabolismcancer metastasisCancersCardiovascular Diseases
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.