Imaging tumor metabolism using in vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is a powerful tool for noninvasively investigating normal and abnormal metabolism. When used in combination with imaging strategies, multinuclear MRS methods provide detailed biochemical information that can be directly correlated with anatomical features. Hyperpolarized C MRS is a new technology that reflects real-time metabolic conversion and is likely to be extremely valuable in managing patients with cancer. This article reviews the use of in vivo P, H, and C MRS for assessing cancer metabolism in order to provide information for diagnosis, planning treatment, assessing response to therapy, and predicting survival for patients with cancer.