Why is Hyperpolarized Carbon-13 Important in Cancer Research?
Cancer cells have unique metabolic profiles that differentiate them from normal cells. One of the hallmarks of cancer is altered metabolism, often referred to as the Warburg effect, where cancer cells predominantly produce energy through glycolysis even in the presence of oxygen. By using hyperpolarized carbon-13, researchers can non-invasively observe these metabolic changes in real-time, providing insights into tumor biology, treatment response, and disease progression.
