Using PET imaging to identify early signs of Huntington's Disease
COX-2-Selective PET Imaging as an Onset Marker of Huntington's Disease
This study is testing a new way to use brain scans to spot early signs of Huntington's Disease, which could help track how the disease progresses and see if new treatments are working.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10745948 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new imaging technique using positron emission tomography (PET) to detect early biological changes in the brain associated with Huntington's Disease (HD). By identifying specific markers, such as the COX-2 protein, the study aims to provide an objective measure of disease onset and progression. This could help in monitoring the effectiveness of new therapies and interventions designed to slow down or prevent the decline associated with HD. The approach involves longitudinal imaging of living brains to capture molecular changes over time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at risk for Huntington's Disease or those in the early stages of the disease.
Not a fit: Patients with advanced Huntington's Disease or those without a genetic predisposition to the condition may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier diagnosis and better management of Huntington's Disease, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using imaging techniques to detect early neuroinflammatory changes in other neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hooker, Jacob M. — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Hooker, Jacob M.
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.