Detecting brain injury from repeated blast exposure in Navy SEALs
Official title: ReBlast Precision (Precision Biomarkers to Detect Brain Injury in Active-Duty United States Special Operations Forces With Repeated Blast Exposure)
Run by Massachusetts General Hospital · NCT07131475 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will test whether blood tests and brain imaging can detect brain injury from repeated blast exposure in active-duty Navy SEALs.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | Men only |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Massachusetts General Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 14, 2025 |
| Main results expected | April 30, 2029 |
| Study ends | August 31, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | October 31, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07131475 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are active-duty male Navy SEALs aged 18–50 in early-career (0–2 years) or mid–late career (10–15 years) who have had repeated blast exposure and do not have a history of moderate or severe TBI.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with prior moderate or severe TBI, major neurological disorders, unstable severe psychiatric or medical conditions, or those who are not active-duty SEALs are unlikely to 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 is a 4-year longitudinal study enrolling 100 active-duty Navy SEALs to see if repeated blast exposure affects brain health and to develop an initial diagnostic testing protocol. Participants travel to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston for a one-day baseline visit and a one-day one-year follow-up visit to undergo PBR28 TSPO PET and MRI brain scans, blood biomarker collection, and cognitive, psychological, and physical assessments. Between those visits, participants complete brief (about one hour) remote check-ins every three months to monitor symptoms and exposures. The study enrolls males aged 18–50 in early-career (0–2 years) or mid–late career (10–15 years) SEAL groups and excludes those with prior moderate or severe TBI or major neurological or unstable psychiatric or medical conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could produce an initial diagnostic protocol to detect repeated blast-related brain injury earlier and more objectively, helping guide care for affected service members.
How similar studies have gone: Related studies using TSPO PET and blood biomarkers have shown promise for detecting neuroinflammation after traumatic brain injury, but applying these methods specifically to repeated blast exposure in special operations forces is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Active-duty Navy SEAL Service Member 2. Early career SEAL (0-2 years) or mid-late career SEAL (10-15 years) 3. Age 18-50 years 4. Males, regardless of race or ethnicity Exclusion Criteria: 1. History of moderate or severe TBI 2. History of major neurological disorder 3. Untreated or unstable severe psychiatric condition 4. Current severe medical condition that requires long-term treatment 5. Any condition that may cause undue risk to the participant or create a logistical contraindication 6. MRI contraindication 7. PET contraindication
Where it's running
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Brian L Edlow, M.D.
- Email: bedlow@mgh.harvard.edu
- Phone: 617-724-6352
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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.