Metabolic assessment of the action of targeted cancer therapeutics using magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Developing rational targeted cancer drugs requires the implementation of pharmacodynamic (PD), preferably non-invasive, biomarkers to aid response assessment and patient follow-up. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) allows the non-invasive study of tumour metabolism. We describe the MRS-detectable PD biomarkers resulting from the action of targeted therapeutics, and discuss their biological significance and future translation into clinical use. British Journal of Cancer (2010) 102, 1-7. doi:10.1038/sj.bjc.6605457 www.bjcancer.com Published online 24 November 2009 (C) 2010 Cancer Research UK