Lactate Imaging as a Tumour Biomarker

Investigation of Lactate Measured Using Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy as a Biomarker of Tumour Response

This project is designed to investigate whether measurements of lactate in tumours, made using a magnetic resonance technique similar to MRI, is an effective non-invasive method to detect whether some new targeted drugs are having their desired effect.

The study hypothesis is that by using magnetic resonance spectroscopy techniques, we will be able to observe changes in tumour lactate levels in vivo, in response to treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

Cohort 1:lymphoma patients

• minimum lesion size of 2cm
• not pretreated but scheduled to be treated with CHOP (Cyclophosphamide, Hydroxydaunomycin,Oncovin and Prednisolone)

Cohort 2:Colorectal patients

• metastatic disease of at least 2cm
• not pretreated

Cohort 3:Phase 1 Drug Development

• minimum lesion size at least 2cm

Cohort 4: Brain

• primary brain tumours receiving radiotherapy and temozolomide
• cerebral lymphoma receiving standard chemotherapy

Exclusion Criteria:

• MRI incompatible metal implants
• Claustrophobia
• Inability to tolerate a 40 minute MRI scan