Physiometabolic magnetic signal maximisation in brain lesions
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Ultrahigh magnetic field anatomical and physiometabolic signal maximisation in brain lesions
IRAS ID
339092
Contact name
Stefanie C Thust
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Nottingham
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) represents a widely used and valuable test to assess the brain. However, there is overlap between the MRI appearances of different brain diseases. In some cases, it can be difficult to be certain if an imaging abnormality (‘lesion’) represents tumour or not, because many acute illnesses can look like a mass. There is also similarity in the appearances of tumour types, which may require different treatments or which may vary in prognosis. This can cause uncertainty at the initial diagnosis or following treatment, where tumour regrowth and therapy effects (tissue breakdown) may appear nearly identical on imaging. Tissue testing by open brain surgery can be a complex and lengthy process, with variable waits of up to several weeks to secure a definitive result. It is not practical and can be risky to repeat tissue diagnosis at multiple time points.
Latest technical advances at Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre (SPMIC), University of Nottingham have created new opportunities to visualise brain detail, including the prediction of tumour genetic signatures to inform prognosis. Ultrahigh magnetic field (7T) MRI offers much greater structural information than standard clinical scans and can probe functional aspects, including blood flow, protein and electrolyte metabolism. There is early evidence that this could help identify sites of active tumour and distinguish non-cancerous abnormalities that do not require treatment intensification. In this pilot study our researchers will apply and further refine pioneering MRI technologies in preparation of making them translatable for clinical practice at Nottingham University Hospitals. To achieve this, it is planned to recruit 50 patients for undergoing novel MRI methods. Our study aligns with suggestions made in a recent patient and public involvement (PPI) forum, and patient experience of undergoing 7T MRI will be assessed in this study to allow further optimisation in future.REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/YH/0119
Date of REC Opinion
28 Jun 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion