Hyperpolarised MRI Clinical Information

Hyperpolarised Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Hyperpolarised MRI or HP-MRI) is an advanced imaging technique that allows researchers to observe metabolism in real time. By temporarily increasing the magnetic resonance signal from naturally occurring carbon-13 labelled molecules, HP-MRI can provide information about cellular metabolism that is not accessible using conventional MRI alone.

One of the most commonly used probes is hyperpolarised [1-13C] pyruvate, a naturally occurring molecule involved in energy metabolism. After administration, researchers can track its conversion into downstream metabolic products, providing non-invasive measurements of biological processes such as glycolysis and oxidative metabolism.

Why is this important?

There is increasing interest in developing personalised approaches to healthcare. Sensitive imaging tools are needed to provide:

• Earlier diagnosis of disease
• Assessment of disease progression
• Monitoring of treatment response
• Support for precision medicine approaches

Hyperpolarised MRI has shown promise across a range of clinical areas including:

• Brain tumours
• Multiple sclerosis
• Stroke
• Traumatic brain injury
• Neurodegenerative disorders
• Cardiovascular disease
• Cancer imaging

The technique has the potential to reveal metabolic changes before structural changes become visible on conventional imaging.

Safety

Hyperpolarised carbon-13 imaging uses a non-radioactive isotope of carbon and does not expose participants to ionising radiation. Clinical studies around the world have performed more than 1,500 administrations of hyperpolarised carbon-13 pyruvate, supporting a strong safety profile.

All clinical studies performed within EUPHORIA follow local ethical approvals and institutional governance procedures. Data are anonymised and shared between partners only under appropriate data-sharing agreements.

EUPHORIA Clinical Studies

A major aim of EUPHORIA is to establish the repeatability and reproducibility of hyperpolarised MRI across multiple centres. Reliable measurements are an essential requirement before any imaging technique can be widely adopted in clinical research and healthcare.

The partnership is conducting collaborative studies involving healthy volunteers across Oxford, Cambridge and Nottingham to assess:

• Repeatability of measurements within a single centre
• Reproducibility between different centres
• Effects of physiological factors such as fasting and fed states
• Reliability of image analysis methods

These studies will help create the evidence base required for future multi-centre clinical trials.

Open Science and Data Sharing

EUPHORIA is committed to supporting open and collaborative research. The partnership is developing a secure data repository to facilitate sharing of anonymised imaging data between participating centres and, eventually, the wider research community.