Detection and characterization of neurotoxicity in cancer patients using proton MR spectroscopy.
OBJECTIVE
The study objective was to detect abnormalities and identify relationships between brain metabolic ratios determined by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging ((1)H-MRSI) and neuropsychological (NP) function in cancer patients at risk for neurotoxicity.


METHODS
Thirty-two patients received (1)H-MRSI using a multi-slice, multi-voxel technique on a 1.5T magnet. Cho/NAA, NAA/Cr, and Cho/Cr ratios were identified in seven pre-determined sites without tumor involvement. A battery of age-appropriate NP tests was administered within 7 days of imaging. Relationships were examined between test scores and metabolite ratios.


CONCLUSIONS
This study identifies relationships between brain metabolite ratios and cognitive functioning in cancer patients. (1)H-MRSI may be useful in early detection of neurotoxic effects, but prospective longitudinal studies in a homogeneous population are recommended to determine the prognostic value.
Steffen-Smith
Emilie A
EA
Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
Wolters
Pamela L
PL
Albert
Paul S
PS
Baker
Eva H
EH
Shimoda
Kim C
KC
Barnett
Alan S
AS
Warren
Katherine E
KE
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001224:Aspartic Acid / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000378:metabolism; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002794:Choline / Q000378:metabolism; D003401:Creatine / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D020258:Neurotoxicity Syndromes / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D011522:Protons
D011522:Protons; D001224:Aspartic Acid; C000179:N-acetylaspartate; D003401:Creatine; D002794:Choline