Molecular characterization of human neoplasm by ex vivo HR-MAS Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy.

Direct Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) analysis of human tissues using standard high «solution MRS methods is compromised by poor spectral resolution. Magic angle spinning (MAS) can reduce MR spectral line-widths; hence, high resolution MAS (HR-MAS) MRS of human tissues may be ideal for elucidating in vivo MRS observations because it can produce high resolution spectra of unprocessed samples. The HR-MAS MR spectra of tissue samples show a moltitude of sharp resonances which are rich in information on the identity and concentration of many small molecules biochemical species. In addition the spectrra show broader peaks from membranes and supramolecular components. Our investigations on human malignancies work on the interface between pathology and radiology and attempt to establish alternative clinic procedures based on the current radioiogical technology such as MRS. The aim of our rusearch are: i) to investigale metabolic signatures for the diagnosis and prognosis of human malignancy which may be more sensitive and specific than those now available; ii) to establish adjunct MRS and imaging protocols that may improve the accuracv of clinical pathology; iii) to develop linkages between ex vivo tumor evuluation and in vivo non invasive diagnosis with MR technologies. Currently, our projects involve human gastric, colo-rectal, renal and brain tumours. We analyze ex vivo HR MAS MR spectra of intact tissue specimens and correlate cellular mctabolites thus measured whih quantitative pathology, to understand the functions and significance of the metabolites with regards tumoor development and progression.