Advanced brain and neck MRI to track ALS over months
Multimodal longitudinal imaging of brain and cervical cord as an ALS disease biomarker using microstructure statistics and morphometry
['FUNDING_U01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · NIH-11191456
This project uses advanced MRI scans of the brain and cervical spine to detect short-term changes in people living with ALS so progression can be tracked more accurately.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_U01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11191456 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would have repeated MRI scans of your brain and neck (cervical spine) at participating sites over several months, including structural (T1/T2) and diffusion scans. The research team will apply advanced image-processing and biophysical modeling to measure tissue microstructure and morphometry and combine these measures into a single multimodal biomarker. They will also collect fluid samples and routine functional tests to compare imaging changes with biological signals and clinical progression. The aim is to find imaging markers that change over 3–6 months and to prepare them for use in clinical trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults diagnosed with ALS who can travel to a participating center, tolerate MRI scans, and attend follow-up visits are the best candidates.
Not a fit: People with MRI-incompatible implants, severe respiratory compromise preventing safe MRI, or those unable to attend in-person visits may not qualify or benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could provide reliable imaging markers that show ALS progression within months, helping speed up clinical trials and inform care decisions.
How similar studies have performed: Prior smaller studies have shown promising MRI microstructure changes over six months in ALS, while combining brain and spine measures in a short-term multimodal framework is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA — MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: PISHARADY, PRAMOD KUMAR — UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
- Study coordinator: PISHARADY, PRAMOD KUMAR
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.