This group focuses on developing novel imaging methods to examine intermediary metabolism in cancer built around a traditional research strength at UT Southwestern.

Recently, a significant revival of fuel metabolism studies has been seen in cancer research. This is because the clinical observation that many tumors exhibit intense uptake in scans with [¹⁸F]FDG correlates with the excess glycolysis, excess lactate production, and impaired mitochondrial function (the “Warburg effect”), considered classical hallmarks of cancer cell metabolism. Studies with [¹⁸F]FDG-PET do not provide information about downstream carbohydrate metabolism.

In principle, in vivo NMR spectroscopy could illuminate these pathways, but spatial resolution and sensitivity limit applications in patients. In recent years, this group of users has reported that direct studies of tissue biopsies, after infusion of ¹³C-enriched materials, produces spectacular quality spectra and opens new opportunities for new ¹¹C radiotracer development.

The availability of the Cyclotron and Radiochemistry Facility provides this group of users access to ¹¹C-labeled fatty acids or other metabolites for their intermediary metabolic research. Furthermore, the ability to perform studies with ¹³C MRS and ¹¹C PET in a single site is extremely appealing to this group of users.