Metabolic Biomarkers in Thoracic Cancers

The purpose of this research study is to develop a method of using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate lung tumors and other thoracic malignancies. An MRI is a scanning device that uses magnets to make images (pictures) of the body. This study is being done to determine what series of reactions (metabolic pathways) pulmonary nodules use as they burn sugar as fuel for growth. The manner in which the tumor burns (metabolizes) sugar for fuel is being investigated by using a natural, slightly modified, sugar solution (13C-glucose) and studying a small sample of the tumor once it is removed at the time of surgery.