MRI markers to monitor bone marrow in myelofibrosis
Development of quantitative bone marrow magnetic resonance imaging biomarkers to assess efficacy of novel molecularly targeted agents for myelofibrosis
Advanced MRI scans will be used to see bone marrow changes in people with myelofibrosis so doctors can tell sooner whether new targeted drugs are working.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11231743 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, you would have specialized MRI scans of your bone marrow using advanced imaging sequences rather than only relying on spleen size or a single-site bone marrow biopsy. Researchers will apply quantitative image analysis across multiple marrow sites to capture disease patterns and treatment-related changes. The goal is to create a noninvasive imaging signature that tracks marrow fibrosis and cellular changes over time. This approach aims to be faster and less painful than current biopsy- and spleen-based measures.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults diagnosed with myelofibrosis, especially those starting or receiving molecularly targeted treatments and willing to have repeated MRI scans, would be the best candidates.
Not a fit: People with other blood cancers, those who cannot undergo MRI (for example because of certain implants or severe claustrophobia), or who cannot travel to the study site may not benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could let patients know sooner and without painful biopsies whether a targeted therapy is helping their myelofibrosis.
How similar studies have performed: Some prior MRI methods have shown promise in studying bone marrow, but using quantitative MRI as a treatment-response marker specifically for myelofibrosis is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ross, Brian D. — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Ross, Brian D.
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.