Assessing tissue stiffness in glioma patients using MRE scans
Official title: Pilot Study to Assess Mean Lesion Stiffness of Radiation Necrosis and Recurrent Glioma Using Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE) in Patients With Previously Treated Gliomas
Run by M.D. Anderson Cancer Center · NCT04373720 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if special scans can measure how stiff brain tissue is in patients with gliomas and radiation damage to see how these conditions differ.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy, radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Houston, Texas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 20, 2020 |
| Main results expected | November 1, 2028 |
| Study ends | November 1, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | September 14, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04373720 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with a history of pathology-proven intracranial glioma who have received prior chemotherapy and radiation.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients under 18 years old, pregnant, or those with certain medical conditions that prevent safe MRI procedures may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This trial utilizes magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) to measure the stiffness of tissue affected by radiation necrosis and recurrent glioma in patients who have previously undergone treatment for gliomas. The primary objectives are to estimate the mean stiffness of lesions associated with radiation necrosis and glioma recurrence. Additionally, the study aims to compare the stiffness between these two types of lesions. Patients will undergo MRE followed by standard MRI scans, and those who require further evaluation may have a biopsy to assess disease status.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate diagnoses and treatment assessments for patients with gliomas.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies using MRE for tissue characterization have shown promise, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria * \>/=18 years old. * History of a pathology proven intracranial glioma (including IDH mutant, IDH wildtype or 1p19q co-deleted tumors) treated with chemotherapy and radiation. * The lesion of concern (T2 Flair Hyperintense or contrast enhancing lesion) is \> 2 cm * Patient is able to understand and give consent to participation in the study. Exclusion Criteria * Patients less than 18 years of age. * Pregnant. * Known allergy to gadolinium-based contrast agents. * Renal failure as evidenced by a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of less than 30 mL/min/1.73m2. * Pacemakers, electronic stimulation, metallic foreign bodies and devices and/or other conditions that are not MR safe, which include but are not limited to: * electronically, magnetically, and mechanically activated implants * ferromagnetic or electronically operated active devices like automatic cardioverter defibrillators and cardiac pacemakers * metallic splinters in the eye * ferromagnetic hemostatic clips in the central nervous system (CNS) or body * cochlear implants * other pacemakers, e.g., for the carotid sinus * insulin pumps and nerve stimulators * non-MR safe lead wires * prosthetic heart valves (if dehiscence is suspected) * non-ferromagnetic stapedial implants * claustrophobia that does not readily respond to oral medication
Where it's running
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M D Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, Texas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Melissa Chen, MD — M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Melissa Chen, MD
- Email: mchen9@mdanderson.org
- Phone: 713-745-9789
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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This registry collects MRI data and clinical information from adults with glioma to see how brain networks relate to surgery and recovery.
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Proton vs. Photon Radiation for Certain Grade 2–3 Gliomas
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This study tests whether using patient-specific brain network maps from diffusion MRI can help surgeons plan and guide brain tumor removal in eloquent areas.
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AI-powered analysis of brain MRI to help glioma care
Doctors will use AI to study existing MRI scans and patient data from adults with glioma to see if it can help with non-invasive diagnosis and treatment planning.
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Safusidenib in IDH1-mutant glioma after vorasidenib progression
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.