Hyperpolarized carbon-13 metabolic MRI (HP 13-C MRI) is a relatively new type of imaging study which offers novel metabolic information and contrast, unlike conventional MRI which provides primarily anatomical information. Such features are particularly promising for cancer imaging applications such as disease staging, surgical planning, and monitoring response to therapy, because it highlights functional changes in cellular activity. Overall, HP 13-C MRI requires specialized methods because, unlike conventional MRI, the signal decays rapidly and is unrecoverable.
The Hyperpolarized MRI Technology Resource Center (HMTRC) at UCSF, directed by Daniel B Vigneron, PhD, was created to collaboratively develop new technology to improve and advance this field. In addition, a research group led by Peder Larson, PhD is working to develop new, rapid and efficient hyperpolarized MRI…
