Advanced MRI to distinguish recurrent brain tumor from radiation necrosis

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• UCLA / Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center
  Los Angeles, California, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Jingwen Yao — UCLA / Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Imaging brain tumors using a targeted radioimmunoconjugate and PET scans

  This study is testing a new imaging method using a special drug to see if it can help identify immune cells in patients with brain tumors before they have surgery.

  Recruiting Phase 1 Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center · Los Angeles, California · NCT06650163

• 64Cu-DOTA-Pembrolizumab PET to See If Treatment Is Working in Stage IV NSCLC

  This study tests a new PET imaging agent paired with pembrolizumab to see if it can show which tumors are still responding in adults with stage IV NSCLC who are already receiving pembrolizumab.

  Recruiting Phase 1 City of Hope Medical Center · Duarte, California · NCT07619599

• Early advance care planning education for young adults with advanced solid tumors or high-grade brain tumors

  This project will test whether short educational tools help adolescents and young adults (diagnosed at 18–39) with advanced solid tumors or high-grade brain tumors start advance care planning earlier.

  Recruiting Mayo Clinic · Scottsdale, Arizona · NCT07174661

• Breathing practice to improve brain and mental health in cancer and MS patients

  This study tests whether breathing exercises through a mobile app can help improve brain and mental health for people with cancer and multiple sclerosis, along with their caregivers.

  Recruiting Mayo Clinic · Rochester, Minnesota · NCT06788886

• 18F-DOPA PET/CT to guide care for adults with brain tumors

  This test tries whether adding 18F-DOPA PET/CT scans to standard imaging helps doctors manage care for adults with malignant brain tumors.

  Recruiting Phase 2 Mayo Clinic · Rochester, Minnesota · NCT06667726

• Using arginine with whole brain radiation therapy for brain metastases treatment

  This study is testing if taking arginine, either by mouth or through an IV, can help improve the effectiveness of whole brain radiation therapy for people with brain metastases.

  Recruiting Early Phase 1 Emory University · Atlanta, Georgia · NCT06328686

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.