In vitro MRS and HPLC studies on human renal cell carcinomas

Samples from ten patients with renal cell carcinomas (RCC) were examined by 1H MRS and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) measurements. Twenty samples, ten from the tumor and ten from the surrounding healthy renal region were obtained. MRS yielded information on renal osmolytes which can be considered markers of physiological kidney function. The marked decrease of these osmolytes is a hallmark of cancer. Moreover, HPLC measurements disclosed the amino acid pattern of both healthy and neoplastic tissues. The Glu and Ea content had statistical significance. GSH was present in tumor tissues only.