UCL scientists have developed a new technique for detecting the uptake of sugar in tumors, using magnetic resonance imaging.
Posted on 07/08/2013 5:59:57 PM PDT by neverdem
UCL scientists have developed a new technique for detecting the uptake of sugar in tumors, using magnetic resonance imaging.
A new technique for detecting cancer by imaging the consumption of sugar with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been unveiled by UCL scientists. The breakthrough could provide a safer and simpler alternative to standard radioactive techniques and enable radiologists to image tumours in greater detail.
The new technique, called 'glucose chemical exchange saturation transfer' (glucoCEST), is based on the fact that tumours consume much more glucose (a type of sugar) than normal, healthy tissues in order to sustain their growth.
The researchers found that sensitising an MRI scanner to glucose uptake caused tumours to appear as bright images on MRI scans of mice.
Lead researcher Dr Simon Walker-Samuel, from the UCL Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging (CABI) said: "GlucoCEST uses radio waves to magnetically label glucose in the body. This can then be detected in tumours using conventional MRI techniques. The method uses an injection of normal sugar and could offer a cheap, safe alternative to existing methods for detecting tumours, which require the injection of radioactive material." Professor Mark Lythgoe, Director of CABI and a senior author on the study, said: "We can detect cancer using the same sugar content found in half a standard sized chocolate bar. Our research reveals a useful and cost-effective method for imaging cancers using MRI – a standard imaging technology available in many large hospitals." 
Tumors use large quantities of glucose to sustain their growth. By injecting normal, unlabeled sugar, UCL scientists have developed a way to detect its accumulation in tumors using magnetic resonance
He continued: "In the future, patients could potentially be scanned in local hospitals, rather than being referred to specialist medical centres." The study is published in the journal Nature Medicine and trials are now underway to detect glucose in human cancers.
According to UCL's Professor Xavier Golay, another senior author on the study: "Our cross-disciplinary research could allow vulnerable patient groups such as pregnant women and young children to be scanned more regularly, without the risks associated with a dose of radiation." Dr Walker-Samuel added: "We have developed a new state-of-the-art imaging technique to visualise and map the location of tumours that will hopefully enable us to assess the efficacy of novel cancer therapies."
Source : d.weston@ucl.ac.uk
I was going to say the same-how would this be different than a PET scan? Other than PET scans use radioactive materials—there’s probably more overhead with handling.
I’m not sure I agree with that. Cancers are cells that grow at abnormal rates; because of their growth rate, they use more glucose, which ALL cells do to grow. Using technologies like PET, we can see this more rapid uptake of glucose. This doesn’t mean that “sugars cause cancer.”
Most cancer cells lack the ability to manufacture their own glucose.
I didnt say it caused cancer.
That’s interesting. My husband takes it for his diabetes.
That’s interesting. My husband takes it for his diabetes.
I am not sure how to do it with humans. We gave our dogs about a tsp a day. But there is much to read on its effects on humans and how to administer it- it will probably be pretty specific for different conditions so you should be able to find what you need easily online. I am so sorry about your health. I have had MRIs and was claustrophobic initially but they were able to inch me in little by little and I gor through it. One friend on FB had to have some medicinal help to get through it and he said it went pretty fast. I listen to music to help with the stress of going through it. Being sick sucks.
If you need to talk, just pm me.
OMG? Sugar. I am a sugar junky also. She didn’t say anything about eating ‘sugar’ I esp. like semi-sweet chocolate. Cakes, cookies. Crap no wonder they say your diet will have to change.
Now with no hormones, hot flashes, no sweets, No more soothing Starbucks, I will become another raging green hulk.
I really wanted to get away from SB anyway. One good thing.
Can one listen to music in PET?
I haven’t had a PET. Just MRIs and CAT scans.
the majority of healthcare costs are racked up later in life
cancer mostly inflicts the elderly in society.
the cost of health care is now on the fedgov
therefore, fedgov will never push to cure cancer (or other mostly elderly ailments) as they look to limit costs
Indeed. The amount of evidence that exists to show that cancer feeds on sugars would lead one to the conclusion that anything that drives insulin will promote cancer - to put it in simple terms.
Instead, the first option is, generally, to offer a treatment (chemo) that is, itself, carcinogenic?!?!
big secret - no cancer cure group wants to cure cancer anyway. if they did they’d push the things that actually do reduce and eliminate cancers.
Interesting.
PET scans use labeled 2-fluorodeoxy-D-glucose and expose you to ionizing radiation.
Please research where to get it online. I bought tumeric in the spice aisle at the grocery store but I am sure there are health food stores that have it capsuled up. Also, look at the studies that have been done. What I read gave me hope for our dog and he is doing well. It has been two years since his last surgery and no tumors have popped up.
I agree. I didn't say cancer cells manufacture glucose; the cells absorb glucose and convert it to energy, to help the cancer cell divide and grow.
Tribal Princess - I had a PET scan two years ago. They gave me a radioactive tracer to drink and kept me isolated for a bit... I guess so that no one else would be harmed by the tracer. It was a strange experience, but the scan caught what turned out later to be a benign cyst.
I don’t remember being allowed to listen to music or do anything but lie in the position they put me in during the PET scan.
TP and Nowhere Man - Here’s a link to the ACA with more information on turmeric:
I’ve never tried supplementing with turmeric. Maybe now is the time to look into it.
I’m getting the glucose injection and set for an hour and no stimulations before the scan.
No big deal there. I would like to listen to my ‘Mark Bishop’ music on my Ipod before and during the scan. Probably not.
Mark’s music helps me through the dentist visits.
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