Using sodium levels in tumors to help diagnose and treat breast cancer

Analyzing sodium levels in breast cancer tumors can pinpoint how aggressive the cancer is and whether chemotherapy is working, a new study suggests

In a study from the Universities of York and Cambridge, researchers have developed a technique that uses sodium magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect salt levels in breast cancer tumors in mice

Using this technique, the researchers looked at breast cancer tumors and found that salt (sodium) accumulated within the cancer cells, with more active tumors accumulating more sodium

The researchers then took 18 tumors and gave some of them chemotherapy

There are currently around 55,920 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed each year in the UK and it is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women worldwide

Imaging salt levels could be an important new tool to help diagnose and monitor breast cancer, the researchers said

The study's senior author, Dr William Brackenbury, from the University of York's Department of Biology, said: "We already knew solid tumors were high in salinity, but this study brings us further insight into why

"There are currently only a handful of sodium MRI scanners in the country, but our research paves the way for their use as a new technology to diagnose breast cancer, monitor the success of treatment and improve patient survival

The authors of the study say it is also possible to develop drugs that block sodium ion channels in cancer cells, thereby slowing tumor growth and spread

The researchers also want to explore ways to improve the resolution of sodium MRIs, which currently produce images that are relatively less pixelated than regular MRI scans

Clinical co-author of the study, Professor Fiona Gilbert from the University of Cambridge, said: "We are excited about using these technologies in the clinic

Dr Charles Evans, Research Information Manager at Cancer Research UK, said: "This intriguing study shows that the use of sodium MRI may be a powerful new way to improve breast cancer detection

Dr Simon Vincent, Director of Research, Support and Impact at the Breast Cancer Society, said: "It is critical to diagnose breast cancer quickly and accurately and closely monitor its response to treatment to ensure patients are receiving the best possible care

article title

Sodium accumulation in breast cancer predicts malignancy and treatment response