Advanced MRI to distinguish recurrent brain tumor from radiation necrosis
Advanced Dual-Nuclei MRI for Differentiation of Recurrent Brain Metastases and Radiation Necrosis
This trial tests whether advanced MRI scans (DR-CSI and sodium imaging) can tell if people with metastatic brain tumors have tumor recurrence or treatment-related radiation necrosis.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 42 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT07339085 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional protocol uses dual-nuclei microstructural MRI, including diffusion-relaxation correlation spectrum imaging (DR-CSI) and sodium imaging, to develop biomarkers that distinguish recurrent brain metastasis from radiation necrosis. In Aim 1, patients undergo the advanced scans before standard-of-care surgical resection or biopsy with tissue collected for correlation. In Aim 2, patients scheduled for stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) receive the advanced scans before SRS and at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after treatment to track longitudinal microstructural changes. Imaging sessions are short (about 30 minutes) and performed alongside routine clinical MRI at UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (18+) with metastatic brain tumors who are scheduled for surgical resection or biopsy (Aim 1) or for stereotactic radiosurgery (Aim 2) and who can safely undergo MRI are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients who cannot have MRI (due to contraindicated implants), have severe renal impairment, or have widespread leptomeningeal disease are unlikely to benefit from this imaging-focused protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could let clinicians more accurately tell recurrence from radiation injury and choose better, more timely treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Advanced diffusion methods and sodium MRI have shown promising early results in small studies, but the dual-nuclei microstructural biomarker approach here remains relatively novel and not yet widely validated.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age \> 18 years old * Diagnosed with metastatic brain tumor * AIM 1: Scheduled for surgical resection or tissue biopsy +/- laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) * AIM 2: Scheduled for SRS treatment Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with contraindications to MRI, severe renal impairment * Patients with evidence of disseminated leptomeningeal disease
Where this trial is running
Los Angeles, California
- UCLA / Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center — Los Angeles, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jingwen Yao — UCLA / Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.