Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is commonly used to treat tumors such as hepatocellular carcinomas. However, there is evidence that liver RFA can stimulate growth in tumors at other sites, a process attributed to the HFG/c-Met pathway. Hyperpolarized 13C-pyruvate MRI showed increased intratumoral lactate production in subcutaneously-implanted R3230 tumors following RFA of normal liver in a rat model. This effect is suppressed when liver RFA is combined with a c-Met inhibitor. 13C MRI could potentially be used to identify tumors at risk for this off-target effect.
This abstract and the presentation materials are available to members only; a login is required.