As compared to normal prostate tissue, prostate cancer cells exhibit a dramatic reduction in zinc content. We have used 19F-based ion-CEST (iCEST) MRI to sense differential Zn2+ levels between normal and malignant prostate cell lines. We were able to observe clear differences in zinc-induced iCEST signal between normal cells and cancer cells, which was validated by microscopy using a zinc-sensitive fluorescent dye. Hence, iCEST MRI may have potential as a new means to non-invasively detect early prostate malignant transformation.
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