MR METHODS OF GRADING A TUMOR USING AN IMAGING MEDIUM THAT COMPRISES HYPERPOLARISED 13C-PYRUVATE.

摘要

The application relates to MR methods of grading a tumor using an imaging medium which comprises hyperpolarized 13C-pyruvate. In particular, it relates to a method of determining the grade of a tumor, said method comprises a) MR detecting a tumor in a subject using an imaging medium that comprises hyperpolarized13C-pyruvate wherein signals of 13C-pyruvate and its 13C-containing metabolites alanine, lactate and optionally bicarbonate are detected; b) using said signals and optionally the total carbon signal to generate a metabolic profile of the tumor; c) comparing the metabolic profile of the tumor generated in step b) to a known metabolic profile of a tumor of a certain grade; and d) determining the grade of the tumor based on the similarities and differences between said metabolic profile of the tumor and said known metabolic profile.