New MRI scan could reveal hidden acidity in prostate tumors

NCT ID NCT05851365

Ongoing Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Robert Flavell, MD, PhD Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This pilot study tests a new MRI technique that uses a special form of bicarbonate to measure how acidic prostate tumors are. Ten men with localized prostate cancer will receive an injection of hyperpolarized bicarbonate before an MRI scan. The goal is to see if this method is safe and can produce clear images of tissue acidity, which may help doctors better understand and treat prostate cancer in the future.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Hyperpolarized bicarbonate (13C)
What this could lead to: If successful, this imaging method could help doctors measure acidity in prostate tumors without a biopsy, potentially guiding treatment decisions.
What could go wrong: This is a very early pilot study with only 10 participants. It is testing feasibility and safety, not treatment effectiveness. The technique may not work as hoped or may not be practical for wider use.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for LOCALIZED PROSTATE CARCINOMA are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

prostate cancer prostate carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

LOCALIZED PROSTATE CARCINOMA PROSTATE CANCER

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of California, San Francisco

San Francisco, California, 94143, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.