Localized Dynamics of Hyperpolarized 13C Pyruvate in Prostate Cancer Patients

Peder E. Z. Larson¹, Galen D. Reed, Adam B. Kerr², John M. Pauly², Robert Bok, Marcus Ferrone, Andrea Harzstark, Sarah J. Nelson, John Kurhanewicz, Daniel B. Vigneron

As part of the first hyperpolarized [1-13C]-pyruvate clinical trial, we developed a specialized dynamic 13C 2D EPSI sequence using short multiband pulses, and applied it in four prostate cancer patients. Time-resolved MR spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) following injection of hyperpolarized [1-13C]-pyruvate can provide valuable and detailed metabolic information, including perfusion, uptake and kinetics. We observed SNRs up to 340 for pyruvate within 15-20 sec after injection, and SNRs up to 17 for lactate within 25-35 sec after injection. The signal lasted for up to 75 sec for pyruvate and 70 sec for lactate.