Mapping molecular markers of brain tumour activity using MRI

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  In vivo molecular mapping of adult primary brain tumour activity using novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): a pilot study

• IRAS ID

  288219

• Contact name

  Thomas Booth

• Contact email

  thomasbooth@nhs.net

• Sponsor organisation

  Erasmus MC

• Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier

  NCT05140785

• Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier

  N/A, N/A

• Duration of Study in the UK

  5 years, 0 months, 1 days

• Research summary

  Research Summary

  Regions of tumour whose cells (the building blocks of the tumour) are actively multiplying generate a particular type of molecular footprint (consisting of various types of proteins) compared to tumours whose cells are relatively stable. In addition, tumour cells begin to develop a network of blood vessels that not only supply them with nutrients and oxygen, but also provide a pathway for tumour spread. There is a critical period between when these proteins and blood vessel network develops, and when tumour growth is visible using current MRI scanning. Therefore, making the process of tumour activity visible on clinical MRI scans is an important step in demonstrating and anticipating tumour growth.

  We aim to do this by utilising various novel and non-invasive MRI techniques including Chemical exchange transfer saturation (CEST) MRI that measures the build-up of certain proteins within the tumour and Fast Advanced Spin Echo (FASE) MRI that allows for assessment of the amount of oxygen taken up by various parts of the brain tumour (which itself provides a marker of regional tumour aggression).

  This project is a collaboration between research groups at King’s College London (UK) and the Erasmus Medical Centre (The Netherlands). The novel MRI techniques will be incorporated into the pre-surgical MRI scans of patients with primary brain tumours. The MR images will be compared with molecular measurements made from biopsies taken during surgery to show that they accurately map where activity is high and low within the tumour.

  Summary of results

  10 patients recruited
  9 patients underwent imaging and biopsy
  Data is being analysed
  Results will be published

• REC name

  West of Scotland REC 3

• REC reference

  22/WS/0027

• Date of REC Opinion

  17 Mar 2022

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion