Innovating Metabolic Biomarkers for Hyperpolarized NMR

Abstract:: The aim of translational research is to identify biomarkers that could be used in clinical practice to improve diagnosis, prognostication, influence treatment options and monitor response to treatment. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy or spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) of hyperpolarized 13C-labelled cell substrates can be used to measure real-time metabolic flux in relatively rapid reactions in vivo, which is not possible with any other imaging technique. Dysregulated metabolism is a feature of many pathological processes and the potential of MRSI with hyperpolarized 13C-labelled substrates to identify areas of pathology has been demonstrated in numerous preclinical and initial clinical studies. This chapter will discuss the desirable physical, chemical, and biochemical properties of hyperpolarized substrates that make them potential candidates for clinical use and the pathological processes where biomarkers derived from imaging the metabolism of hyperpolarized 13C-labelled substrates could influence clinical management. The barriers to clinical translation and their potential solutions will also be addressed.

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