Enhanced MRI to detect brain metastases
Official title: Improved Detection of Cerebral Metastases using a using a Novel T1 Relaxation-Enhanced Steady-State (T1RESS) MRI Technique
Funded at Endeavor Health Clinical Operations · NIH-11370115 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project uses a new contrast MRI method to make very small brain metastases and leptomeningeal disease easier to see in adults with cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Endeavor Health Clinical Operations NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Evanston, United States) |
| Project start | April 12, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $452,681 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA263091-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11370115 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults age 21 or older with known or suspected brain metastases or cancer at high risk for brain spread who can undergo contrast-enhanced MRI are the best candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People who cannot have MRI (for example because of incompatible implants), cannot receive MRI contrast (severe kidney problems), or who do not have suspicion of brain metastases are unlikely to benefit.
What this research studies
You would receive a contrast-enhanced MRI that uses a new pulse sequence called uT1RESS designed to make tumors stand out from normal brain and to darken blood vessels. The researchers will compare these images with standard MRI scans (like MPRAGE) to see if the new method finds more small metastases or leptomeningeal spread. The team has already published encouraging results from 54 adult patients and will expand and refine the imaging approach in a larger patient group. The imaging protocol is done at the study site and focuses on improving how clearly tiny or hard-to-see lesions appear.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help doctors find smaller or hidden brain metastases earlier, improving treatment choices such as radiosurgery or targeted therapies.
How similar studies have gone: A preliminary study of 54 adult patients published in Science Advances showed a twofold or greater improvement in tumor-to-brain contrast, indicating strong early promise though larger validation is needed.
Where this research is happening
-
Endeavor Health Clinical Operations
Evanston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Edelman, Robert R. — Endeavor Health Clinical Operations
- Study coordinator: Edelman, Robert R.
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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.