New MRI Method by Israeli Scientists Could Help Detect Pancreatic Cancer Early
Israeli researchers from the Weizmann Institute of Science have developed a new MRI method that could improve early detection of pancreatic cancer. This innovative approach tracks how cells metabolize glucose, using a stable isotope of hydrogen called deuterium. The method, led by Prof. Lucio Frydman and Prof. Avigdor Scherz, aims to identify cancerous tissues by detecting unique metabolic products. This advancement could surpass traditional MRI and PET scans, offering hope for better diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Why Pancreatic Cancer is Hard to Detect
Pancreatic cancer is difficult to detect because the pancreas is located deep in the abdominal cavity. This often hides tumors until it is too late for effective treatment. Although it is the 12th most common cancer globally, it was the sixth deadliest in 2020. Without better detection methods, it could become the deadliest form of cancer by 2030.
The New MRI Method
The new MRI method leverages a phenomenon known as the Warburg effect, where cancer cells consume glucose at unusually high rates. By using deuterium-labeled glucose, the researchers were able to detect specific metabolic products unique to cancer cells. This method illuminated even the smallest tumors in mice, while healthy tissues remained dark.
Advantages Over Traditional Methods
Traditional MRI and PET scans often struggle to accurately identify pancreatic tumors. According to Prof. Frydman, traditional MRI fails to detect pancreatic tumors because the scanning is not specific enough. PET scans also have limitations, as a positive scan does not always mean the patient has cancer, and a negative scan does not always mean the patient is cancer-free.
Future Implications
This new MRI method could become a preferred method for diagnosing hard-to-identify pancreatic tumors and choosing the best treatment. It could also help measure the effectiveness of treatments by tracking the glucose-to-lactate conversion rates in cancer cells.