MRI may have a sweet new contrast partner
German scientists have developed a way to swap out contrast agents for a simple sugar solution to enhance brain cancer visualization on MRI.
According to materials posted by the German Cancer Research Institute, the method isn’t new but has never been used in humans—till now.
The researchers say they applied magnetization transfer to send signals from glucose protons to bodily water for measuring via MRI. Using glucose in amounts equal to about five sugar cubes, they were able to observe changes of glucose signals in healthy brain regions as well as pathogenic changes in human brain cancer, the institute reports.
“If we can confirm that substantial signal levels originate from glucose in the cell interior, this would be important additional information for tumor imaging and functional MRI,” says radiologist Heinz-Peter Schlemmer, MD. “This could enhance therapy planning and monitoring.”
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Dave P. has worked in journalism, marketing and public relations for more than 30 years, frequently concentrating on hospitals, healthcare technology and Catholic communications. He has also specialized in fundraising communications, ghostwriting for CEOs of local, national and global charities, nonprofits and foundations.