Improving MRI for children with brain tumors without sedation
Official title: Rapid, Motion-Robust, and Low-Gadolinium MRI for Pediatric Brain Tumors
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10949820 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new way to take clearer and quicker MRI pictures of children's brain tumors, so they can avoid sedation and stay safe while getting the care they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $668,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EB036105-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10949820 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who are undergoing MRI for brain tumor diagnosis or treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have brain tumors or are older than 11 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing MRI techniques for diagnosing and monitoring pediatric brain tumors. It aims to develop a faster and more motion-robust MRI method that reduces the need for sedation, which can pose risks to young patients. By utilizing quantitative MRI techniques, the project seeks to create clearer images without the adverse effects associated with traditional gadolinium-based contrast agents. This approach not only aims to improve patient safety but also to streamline the imaging process for better healthcare efficiency.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the safety and comfort of MRI procedures for children with brain tumors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in improving MRI techniques, but this specific approach targeting pediatric patients is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jun, Yohan — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Jun, Yohan
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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.