Technical Confounds Challenge T1ρ as a Biomarker for IDH1 Gliomas

T 1 ρ $$ {T}_{1\rho } $$ has been proposed as a non-invasive biomarker for IDH1 mutation status in glioma, but its reported dependence on spin-lock frequency (FSL) raises methodological concerns. In the referenced study, T 1 ρ $$ {T}_{1\rho } $$ dispersion differed markedly among healthy controls, IDH1–wild-type, and IDH1–mutant glioma-bearing mice, with T 1 ρ $$ {T}_{1\rho } $$ decreasing as FSL increased and even falling below T 2 $$ {T}_2 $$ in the mutant group—contrary to established relaxation theory. These inconsistencies suggest potential technical confounds and warrant careful reevaluation of T 1 ρ $$ {T}_{1\rho } $$ robustness in this model.