Better Brain Scans for Glioblastoma Tumors
Official title: Quantitative Glioblastoma Margin and Infiltration Mapping with Advanced Diffusion-Relaxation MRI
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11128649 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project aims to develop new MRI scanning techniques to better see the edges and spread of glioblastoma brain tumors in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $731,623 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS125781-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11128649 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research is relevant for adult patients diagnosed with glioblastoma (WHO grade IV gliomas) who are undergoing treatment planning.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of brain tumors or those not undergoing glioblastoma treatment would likely not directly benefit from this specific imaging advancement.
What this research studies
Glioblastoma is a serious brain tumor that often spreads into surrounding brain tissue, making it hard for doctors to know exactly where the tumor ends. Current imaging methods don't always show the full extent of the tumor, which can make surgery and radiation planning difficult. This work focuses on creating advanced MRI scans that can more clearly map the tumor's boundaries and how it infiltrates the brain. By improving these images, doctors can make more informed decisions about treatment, potentially leading to better outcomes for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more precise surgical removal of tumors and more accurate radiation therapy planning, improving treatment for glioblastoma patients.
How similar studies have gone: This project builds on recent advancements in specialized MRI techniques, like q-space trajectory imaging and quantitative T2-relaxometry, which have shown promise in mapping tissue microstructure.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Westin, Carl-Fredrik — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Westin, Carl-Fredrik
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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.