In vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the human kidney and kidney lesions: new protocol

Current clinical management of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) frequently requires surgical excision. Surgery for suspected ccRCC is routinely carried out before histopathological diagnosis, yet up to 20% of enhancing small renal masses are benign and could be managed conservatively. Differences in tissue chemistry, using magnetic resonance spectroscopy of human renal neoplasia biopsies, showed a clear distinction between ccRCC, non-ccRCC and healthy kidney tissue. We aimed to develop a preoperative in vivo diagnosis of renal lesions that could better inform the need for surgery or monitoring.