LIFE-GlioB
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Metabolic flux profiling of brain tumours by the new MR-hyperpolarisation technology
IRAS ID
294968
Contact name
Ferdia Gallagher
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and The University of Cambridge
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 10 months, 29 days
Research summary
This study consists of two substudies:
1) Hyperpolarised MRI involves intravenous injection of the endogenous molecule called pyruvate to obtain metabolic images using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with brain tumours. Pyruvate is a chemical that forms naturally in the body and to increase MRI signal from pyruvate, this is labelled with carbon-13 and put through a process known as hyperpolarisation. Hyperpolarisation is achieved by cooling labelled pyruvate in a strong magnetic field and exposing it to microwaves. Carbon-13 labelling and hyperpolarisation do not alter the chemical properties of pyruvate, therefore do not affect natural behaviour in the body. This is simply a means of increasing signal obtained with MRI. Before injection pyruvate is warmed and passed through QC checks to ensure concentration and pH are correct.
2) Deuterium Metabolic Imaging (DMI) MRI involves oral consumption of a drink containing deuterated glucose diluted in water to obtain metabolic images using MRI in patients with brain tumours. Glucose is a chemical that forms naturally in the body and to increase MRI signal from glucose, this is labelled with deuterium. Deuterium labelling does not alter the chemical properties of glucose, therefore does not affect natural behaviour in the body. This is simply a means of increasing the signal obtained with MRI.Where possible, we aim to co-recruit the same patient to both substudies, however, if they decline one this should not affect participation in the other.
To complete this study, patients will be imaged before and after normal radiotherapy and these will be compared to see if this technique can identify tumour response. An optional part of this study will be to image these patients before surgery, which will occur before radiotherapy. Where possible, this will give additional information that could be linked to optional tumour samples taken at surgery.
REC name
South Central - Oxford B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/SC/0160
Date of REC Opinion
1 Jul 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion