title: Magnetic resonance spectroscopy - Revisiting the biochemical and molecular milieu of brain tumors.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is an established tool for in-vivo evaluation of the biochemical basis of human diseases. On one hand, such lucid depiction of 'live biochemistry' helps one to decipher the true nature of the pathology while on the other hand one can track the response to therapy at sub-cellular level. Brain tumors have been an area of continuous interrogation and instigation for mankind. Evaluation of these lesions by MRS plays a crucial role in the two aspects of disease management described above.
  
  
  METHODS
  Presented is an overview of the window provided by MRS into the biochemical aspects of brain tumors. We systematically visit each metabolite deciphered by MRS and discuss the role of deconvoluting the biochemical aspects of pathologies (here in context of brain tumors) in the disease management cycle. We further try to unify a radiologist's perspective of disease with that of a biochemist to prove the point that preclinical work is the mother of the treatment we provide at bedside as clinicians. Furthermore, an integrated approach by various scientific experts help resolve a query encountered in everyday practice.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  MR spectroscopy is an integral tool for evaluation and systematic follow-up of brain tumors. A deeper understanding of this technology by a biochemist would help in a swift and more logical development of the technique while a close collaboration with radiologist would enable definitive application of the same.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The review aims at inciting closer ties between the two specialists enabling a deeper understanding of this valuable technology.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiodiagnosis and Imaging, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India.
authors.forename: Ashish
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Verma
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiodiagnosis and Imaging, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India.
authors.forename: Ishan
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India.
authors.forename: Nimisha
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Verma
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India.
authors.forename: Priyanka
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Aggarwal
authors.affiliation: Consultant Radiologist.
authors.forename: Ritu
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ojha
keywords: Choline; Creatine; MR spectroscopy; NAA; Spectroscopic peaks