Improving Brain Tumor Surgery with Advanced MRI Mapping
Advancing Neurosurgical Neuronavigation Using Resting State MRI and Machine Learning
This research aims to make brain tumor removal safer and more complete for patients by using advanced MRI to map brain function during surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11146603 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
When removing brain tumors like glioblastomas, surgeons face a challenge: taking out as much of the tumor as possible while protecting important brain functions. This project uses a special type of MRI, called resting state functional MRI (rs-fMRI), to create detailed maps of how different parts of the brain work together. By combining these maps with advanced computer analysis, surgeons can better see the tumor's impact on brain networks and identify critical areas to avoid during surgery. This approach helps guide surgeons to remove more of the tumor while preserving the patient's abilities and improving their quality of life.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is most relevant to patients diagnosed with brain tumors, particularly glioblastomas, who are undergoing surgical treatment.
Not a fit: Patients who are not candidates for brain tumor surgery or those with other neurological conditions not involving tumors may not directly benefit from this specific surgical navigation improvement.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more precise brain tumor surgeries, allowing for greater tumor removal while better protecting a patient's brain function and potentially improving their long-term survival.
How similar studies have performed: While stereotactic navigation is a standard tool, this approach builds on emerging insights into brain functional organization and represents a novel integration of rs-fMRI for real-time surgical guidance.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leuthardt, Eric Claude — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Leuthardt, Eric Claude
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.