Using an advanced MRI scan to personalize head and neck cancer treatment
Leveraging Hyperpolarized MRI for Precision Oncology Approaches in Head and Neck Cancer
This work uses a special MRI scan that tracks tumor metabolism to help people with head and neck cancer receiving cisplatin and radiation get the right treatment sooner.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11176016 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would receive a hyperpolarized MRI scan that follows a labeled sugar-related molecule (1-13C-pyruvate) as the tumor converts it to lactate, giving a real-time metabolic picture. Researchers measure a metabolic rate called kPL, which changes when cancer cells respond to cisplatin or radiation. Scans are done around the time of treatment to look for early metabolic signs that therapy is working or that resistance is developing. The team compares these imaging results with lab tests to confirm whether the metabolic changes match treatment effect.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma scheduled to receive cisplatin and radiation, who can safely undergo MRI and receive the imaging tracer, would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who do not have head and neck cancer, are not receiving cisplatin or radiation, or who cannot have MRI (for example due to incompatible implants, pregnancy, or inability to tolerate scans) are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could let doctors detect early whether chemotherapy or radiation is working and change plans sooner to avoid ineffective toxic treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Early studies and laboratory experiments have shown that hyperpolarized MRI can detect metabolic changes linked to treatment response, but larger clinical validation is still needed.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lai, Stephen Y — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Lai, Stephen Y
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.