Low-dose, motion-corrected MRI to improve pancreatic cancer imaging
Fully Quantitative Low-Dose, Motion-Resolved Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Testing a low-dose contrast MRI method that corrects for breathing and heart motion to create clearer images for people with pancreatic cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11181183 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project aims to develop a quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI technique that uses smaller amounts of gadolinium contrast and resolves respiratory and cardiac motion. Researchers will take 3D images before, during, and after a low contrast dose and apply motion-resolved reconstruction to produce reproducible measurements of blood flow and tissue properties in pancreatic tumors. The team will validate these scans against current imaging methods and test consistency across repeated scans and settings. The approach is intended to reduce the need for breath-holding and to work better for patients with irregular heart rhythms while lowering contrast-related safety concerns.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with confirmed or suspected pancreatic adenocarcinoma who can undergo MRI with contrast, including those who have difficulty holding their breath or have arrhythmias, are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients without pancreatic disease or those who cannot receive gadolinium-based contrast (for example, severe kidney dysfunction or a known contrast allergy) may not benefit from this method.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could give doctors more precise and repeatable tumor measurements with lower contrast dose and fewer motion-related failed scans.
How similar studies have performed: Quantitative DCE MRI has been useful in other cancers and organ systems, but applying low-dose, motion-resolved DCE specifically to pancreatic cancer is relatively new and less tested.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Christodoulou, Anthony G — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Christodoulou, Anthony G
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.