Better MRI detection and classification of invasive high-grade brain tumors
Towards MRI-based detection and categorization of invasive high grade glioma subtypes
This project uses advanced MRI scans to spot and tell apart invasive types of high-grade brain tumors so doctors can find tumor cells that hide beyond standard scans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Arizona State University-Tempe Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Scottsdale, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11247530 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will combine advanced MRI techniques that probe tumor microstructure and metabolism with biopsy-linked imaging data to recognize two invasive high-grade glioma subtypes called NEU and GPM. The team builds on prior work using hundreds of image-localized biopsy samples to teach which imaging patterns correspond to each subtype. The focus is on finding infiltrative, non‑enhancing tumor cells that standard contrast MRI misses so treatment targets can be improved. Results would be developed and validated at the investigators' imaging and clinical sites.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults diagnosed with high-grade glioma (for example glioblastoma or other HGGs), especially those undergoing advanced imaging, biopsy, or treatment planning, are the best fit for this work.
Not a fit: People without high-grade brain tumors, those with low-grade tumors, or patients whose disease is entirely contrast-enhancing on standard MRI may not benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could make hidden infiltrative tumor regions visible on MRI, enabling more accurate surgery and radiation targeting and potentially lowering recurrence rates.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies correlating image-localized biopsies with molecular tumor subtypes are promising, but reliably distinguishing NEU and GPM invasive cells by MRI remains a novel and not yet clinically established approach.
Where this research is happening
Scottsdale, United States
- Arizona State University-Tempe Campus — Scottsdale, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Beeman, Scott Charles — Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
- Study coordinator: Beeman, Scott Charles
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.