# Project 2: Early Detection of Breast Cancer Subtypes by Raman Spectroscopy with Heavy Water Labeling and MultiPhoton Microscopy

> **NIH NIH U54** · SLOAN-KETTERING INST CAN RESEARCH · 2021 · $151,150

## Abstract

The goals of the project are to are to use resonance Raman spectroscopy (RRS) and heavy
water labeling as a metabolic fingerprinting tool to distinguish different subtypes of breast
cancer, and to use multiphoton fluorescence microscopy to detect native fluorescence signals
from critical metabolic molecules (collagen, tryptophan, NADH, flavin, etc.) in aggressive and
less aggressive tumors. We will further explore the mechanism for the differences in metabolism
by studying tumor metabolism by in vivo measurements of glycolytic changes, a critical
metabolic pathway in tumors, and tumor perfusion. The latter is critical since changes in
perfusion will lead to alterations in nutrient and oxygen delivery which will alter tumor
metabolism (balance between glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation) and may explain
differences in the resonance Raman spectra and multiphoton microscopy that occur between
different tumor models. This collaborative effort is scientifically sound since the data derived at
each institution is complementary and critical to addressing the issue of detecting breast tumors
by optical techniques, and understanding the mechanism behind these findings. It also
represents a continuation of a successful collaboration making use of the scientific resources of
both institutions to enhance breast cancer care and to provide opportunities for under-
represented minorities at CCNY to have access to both the scientific and clinical resources at
MSKCC. Thus, MSKCC studies of perfusion and lactate metabolism are critically
complementary to Drs. Shi/Alfano's studies at CCNY to understand the mechanism behind
differences in tumor metabolism. This will allow this methodology to be expanded to other types
of breast cancer and eventually to the clinic. Dr. Koutcher's laboratory, particularly Dr.
Ackerstaff, at MSKCC has developed the methodologies to relate tumor perfusion to the
microenvironment and to quantitate lactate concentrations. Drs. Alfano/Shi are uniquely suited
for performing the optical studies, having implemented the necessary technology to perform
their experiments.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10250468
- **Project number:** 5U54CA137788-13
- **Recipient organization:** SLOAN-KETTERING INST CAN RESEARCH
- **Principal Investigator:** JASON Arthur KOUTCHER
- **Activity code:** U54 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $151,150
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2008-09-26 → 2024-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10250468

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10250468, Project 2: Early Detection of Breast Cancer Subtypes by Raman Spectroscopy with Heavy Water Labeling and MultiPhoton Microscopy (5U54CA137788-13). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10250468. Licensed CC0.

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