Tool to map brain function and blood-vessel responsiveness
A Comprehensive Clinical fMRI Software Solution to Enable Mapping of Critical Functional Networks and Cerebrovascular Reactivity in the Brain
This project is creating clinical fMRI software to map important brain networks and blood-vessel responsiveness for people with brain tumors, epilepsy, or other brain conditions who may need surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11285302 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would get advanced MRI scans that use both task-based and resting-state fMRI to find key areas for movement and language, plus breath-hold tests to map how blood vessels respond. The team is building software that combines these scans into clear, clinically usable maps so surgeons can avoid critical areas even when patients cannot perform tasks. The software also aims to identify regions with abnormal blood-flow responses (neurovascular uncoupling) that can cause false-negative results. It will be tested and refined at MD Anderson to work within routine clinical workflows.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with brain tumors, epilepsy, or other neurological conditions who are being considered for brain surgery and can undergo MRI.
Not a fit: Patients who do not need presurgical brain mapping, who cannot undergo MRI (for example due to incompatible implants), or whose care does not use advanced imaging methods may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help surgeons better protect critical brain functions and reduce the risk of post-surgical deficits.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies show resting-state fMRI and breath-hold CVR mapping can localize motor and language areas and detect neurovascular uncoupling, but an integrated, FDA-cleared clinical software package is not yet available.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Ho-Ling Anthony — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Liu, Ho-Ling Anthony
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.