# Project 4: Clinical translation and validation of metabolic probes to evaluate brain tumors

> **NIH NIH P01** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · 2024 · $483,926

## Abstract

PROJECT 4: PROJECT ABSTRACT
The goal of this project is to improve the management of patients with primary brain tumors by utilizing
innovative hyperpolarized carbon-13 MR imaging techniques. These techniques use non-toxic and non-
radioactive metabolites to dynamically image metabolic pathways in a matter of seconds. Our team has made
significant progress in acquiring, processing, analyzing, and interpreting hyperpolarized carbon-13 MRI during
the previous cycle. Our application in high-grade gliomas has also shown that hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate
MRI can uncover Warburg-related metabolic dysfunction and regional heterogeneity. Building on these results
and our experience in translating different hyperpolarized carbon-13 imaging probes clinically to image glioma
subtypes, we aim to challenge the current clinical practice paradigm through the use of dynamic metabolic
imaging as opposed to only anatomic imaging in the two most common types of primary brain tumors –
glioblastoma and meningioma in this project.
In Specific Aim 1, we will explore the impact of using hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate to assess early metabolic
changes in patients with recurrent glioblastoma who are treated with novel therapeutic agents. Glioblastoma is
the most common malignant primary brain tumor, with a medium overall survival of 14-16 months. Developing
and applying noninvasive, easily acquired measures of the pharmacodynamic effect of novel agents in
glioblastoma can provide early evaluation of treatment response. In Specific Aim 2, we will evaluate newly
diagnosed patients with meningioma prior to surgical resection using hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate and [1-
13C]alanine MRI. This will be used to identify meningioma DNA methylation groups, which have been shown to
be more robust classification systems with distinct clinical outcomes and biological drivers across WHO
grades. The development of noninvasive imaging techniques for improving risk stratification is a priority for
improving patient care. We believe that the results of this study will significantly enhance the management of
patients with brain tumors, providing clinicians with a better understanding of the metabolic changes in patients
and making early decisions about target modulation in early-phase clinical trials and treatment planning.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10934267
- **Project number:** 2P01CA118816-16
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- **Principal Investigator:** Yan Li
- **Activity code:** P01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $483,926
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2007-07-01 → 2029-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10934267

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10934267, Project 4: Clinical translation and validation of metabolic probes to evaluate brain tumors (2P01CA118816-16). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10934267. Licensed CC0.

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