In vivo P-31 study of the response of human tumors to chemotherapy

Six patients with superficial tumors were examined. P-31 spectra were recorded during infusion of chemotherapeutic agents and up to 8 months after onset of therapy. With one exception, during tumor regression and increase and during tumor progression a decrease of PCr-Pi ratio, PCr-Pi sum, PME, and PDE intensities were observed. After high-dose hyperthermic local perfusion chemotherapy, P-31 spectra revealed a complete loss of high-energy phosphates; an increase in Pi, PME, and PDE up to the 2d day after treatment; and a subsequent recovery of high-energy phosphates. The authors results suggest that P-31 spectroscopy allows early detection of tumor response