Researchers at Cancer Research UK have developed a new cancer imaging technique that uses antioxidants like vitamin c to identify tumours which are more aggressive or resistant to treatment.
The imaging technique was developed in conjunction with GE Healthcare.
Looking at lymphoma cancer cells in the lab and then in mice, the researchers were able to develop specially labelled versions of the two vitamin C forms.
They used these two vitamin C forms to detect tumours capable of dealing with higher levels of oxidative stress, which may be more resistant to chemotherapy.
Cancer Research UK Cambridge Research Institute lead researcher Sarah Bohndiek said importantly, oxidative stress is also associated with other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, meaning this technique could also have wider applications.