Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in vestibular schwannomas
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Determining the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in patients with vestibular schwannomas: can it predict growth?
IRAS ID
290352
Contact name
Georgios Kontorinis
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
R&D NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
NA, NA
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Tumours of the central nervous system are nowadays more accurately described by sophisticated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques. Diffuse weighted imaging (DWI) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), techniques/ parameter that have already been used directly for multiple purposes such as the evaluation of ischaemic stroke, have recently shown to be of use in neoplastic disease of the central nervous system; ADC has been used to diagnose and differentiate tumours and to evaluate tumour response after radiation treatment.
Vestibular schwannomas (VS) are among the commonest benign intracranial tumours. Up to 60-70% of these tumours will not demonstrate any significant growth from the time of their diagnosis; this happens, though, in an unpredictable manner. Serial imaging (MRI) is utilised to determine their growing patterns. If we could identify the VS that would grow at a very early stage, then we would be able to offer either sterotactic radiotherapy or microsurgery sooner, achieving better functional outcome (hearing preservation, balance, avoid facial nerve weakness).
We are planning to determine the ACD through diffuse weighted MRI. Patients with VS undergo review imaging (MRI) at predetermined intervals. We will specifically request to add the sequences of diffuse weighted MRI to the standard MRI IAM (internal auditory meatus) protocol, which is not time consuming and does not add to the patients’ stay in the scanner. It does not require any additional IV contrast administration either, albeit these patients typically do receive contrast for monitoring the VS. We are routinely using diffuse weighted sequences in temporal bone imaging as well as in a wide, non-otology/ neurotology related diseases (stroke); thus, it is available widely.
Two radiologists will review the images and calculate the ACD. Then we will correlate this with the size of the VS and whether it’s growing or not.REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - South Yorkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/YH/0241
Date of REC Opinion
14 Nov 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion