Heeseung Lim1,
Kundan Thind1, Timothy Pok Chi Yeung1, 2,
Francisco M. Martinez-Santiesteban1, Timothy J. Scholl1,
3
1Medical
Biophysics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; 2London
Regional Cancer Program, LHSC, London, Ontario, Canada; 3Imaging Research
Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London,
Ontario, Canada
This study monitors the effects of radio- and chemotherapy on glioblastoma multiforme in a rat model through chemical-shift imaging of hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate. Preliminary results suggest that both radiotherapy and chemotherapy alter tumor metabolism (determined by the observed lactate-to-pyruvate ratio) as early as 2 days after treatment. Seven days after treatment, the lactate-to-pyruvate ratio in tumors was similar to healthy tissue. Response to therapy was more immediate for tumours receiving radiotherapy. Further animal studies will better quantify the time course of therapeutic response and to investigate the effects of combined therapies.