Magnetic resonance spectroscopy in cancer: phospholipid, neutral lipid and lipoprotein metabolism and function

A Special Symposium on "Lipid Metabolism and Function in Cancer. Significance of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) Measurements in Relation to Biochemical Processes and Cellular Control" was held by the EU BIOMED 1 Concerted Action for "Cancer and Brain Disease Characterization and Therapy Assessment by Quantitative MRS", within the 5th International Conference of Anticancer Research (Corfu, 18-20 October 1995). The aims of the Symposium were to discuss present knowledge and problems in the field of phospholipid, neutral lipid and lipoprotein metabolism in cancer, together with the new potential of these inter-linked areas of research arising from advanced in vitro and in vivo MRS methodologies. This guest editorial is intended to introduce the reader of the Proceedings published in this issue, into the stimulating atmosphere of the Symposium, by summarizing some of the exciting proposals, views, ideas and open questions which emerged from presentations and multi-disciplinary, plenary discussions.