Improving brain MRI exams with a new technique to reduce contrast agent use
Official title: Twofold Reduction in Gadolinium Dose for Brain MRI Exams using a Novel Unbalanced T1 Relaxation-Enhanced Steady-State (uT1RESS) Technique
Funded at Endeavor Health Clinical Operations · NIH-10671616 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new MRI technique that could help doctors see brain tumors more clearly, making it easier to diagnose and plan treatment, while also using less contrast dye to keep you safer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Endeavor Health Clinical Operations NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Evanston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $184,406 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA273280-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10671616 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults undergoing MRI exams for brain tumors or related conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not require MRI imaging for brain tumors or who are not adults may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of brain MRI exams by using a novel technique called unbalanced T1 Relaxation-Enhanced Steady-State (uT1RESS). This method aims to improve the visibility of brain tumors by significantly increasing the contrast between tumors and surrounding brain tissue, which is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. By potentially reducing the amount of gadolinium contrast agent needed, this approach could minimize risks associated with contrast use while maintaining or improving imaging quality. The research involves testing this technique in adult patients to evaluate its effectiveness compared to standard MRI methods.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective brain MRI exams, improving tumor detection and treatment outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary studies have shown promising results with similar techniques, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
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.