Whole-brain metabolic MRI to guide brain tumor radiation
Improved whole-brain spectroscopic MRI for radiation therapy planning
This project uses a special whole-brain MRI that maps tumor chemistry to help doctors target radiation more precisely for adults with brain tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11306688 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would get a spectroscopic MRI (sMRI) that maps metabolites across the whole brain so doctors can see tumor infiltration that standard MRI may miss. Those metabolic maps are used to plan radiation so areas that look like hidden tumor can receive higher doses. The team previously completed a three-site pilot showing the approach is feasible and safe, and now is expanding the technique through ECOG-ACRIN/ACR sites. If your treatment center participates, your sMRI would be integrated into your radiation planning.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with newly diagnosed or recurrent high-grade gliomas (for example glioblastoma) who are scheduled for radiation therapy and can undergo MRI would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without infiltrative brain tumors, those who cannot have MRI, or patients treated at nonparticipating centers are unlikely to receive direct benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could allow radiation to better cover infiltrating tumor, delay recurrence, and potentially extend survival.
How similar studies have performed: A prior three-site sMRI-guided radiation pilot showed feasibility, safety, and a promising median overall survival of 23 months versus about 16 months with standard care.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shim, Hyunsuk — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Shim, Hyunsuk
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.