Metabolite composition in breast tumors examined by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Background: In vivo characterisation of breast tumors using proton (H-1) MR spectroscopy relies upon in vitro interpretation of tissue samples. The pr esent study has investigated metabolite composition in extracts from breast tumors and non-involved breast tissue. Multivariate data analysis was used to determinate combinations of metabolites important for differentiation. Materials and Methods: Tumor and non-involved breast tissue were obtained f rom 16; patients undergoing surgical treatment. H-1 NMR spectra of perchlor ic acid tissue extracts were obtained at a BRUKER Avance DRX600 spectromete r. The data was analysed using principal component analysis and probabilist ic neural networks. Results: Low levels of glucose and high content of chol ine compounds were dominant findings in the tumor spectra. Principal compon ent loadings demonstrated this strong association. The spectra were correct ly classified using neural network analysis. Conclusions: Large differences in the metabolite composition of breast tumors and surrounding breast tiss ues have been documented.