Implantation of CEST and CESL MRI Methods for Detection of Breast Tumors

The primary aim of this study is to develop innovative molecular imaging modality based on the chemical exchange saturation transfer MRI (CEST-MRI) of glucosamine (GlcN) to visualize and measure breast tumors. GlcN has been shown to have good breast tumor targeting properties allowing its detection in laboratory animals under CEST MRI technique. The investigators will use the newly developed CEST-MRI modality for the detection of benign and malignant breast cancer in a clinical MRI scanner STUDY AIMS 1. Investigate the possibility of obtaining a new contrast image of breast cancer tumors using glucosamine as a new contrast agent using the CEST imaging method (Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer chemical exchange during saturation transition) and/or the CESL (Spin Lock chemical exchange method). 2. A comparison of the contrast image obtained by the novel GlcN CEST-MRI and/or CESL-MRI methods to that obtained by traditional MRI methods like T1, T2. 3. Using the GlcN- CEST-MRI / or CESL-MRI approaches, compare the signal obtained by malignant and benign tumors, examination if these methods can distinguish between the two types of tumors. Patients bearing solid breast tumors will be scanned at the clinical MRI setup. The scans will include short anatomical scans (of T1 and T2 images) and CEST imaging. Patients will be required to fast for at least 4 hours before the scan (can drink water during fasting). The participants will be asked to drink glucosamine solution (184 mg/kg). Patients will be scanned twice during the same MRI session, before and 2 hours after taking glucosamine orally. In addition to the CEST scans with GlcN, patients will undergo MRI scans with the standard contrast agent of gadolinium. This procedure will be done following the CEST scan. The CEST scan takes a few minutes (up to 10 minutes).