Finding a biomarker for Parkinson's disease using imaging techniques

Molecular and Functional Imaging of Parkinson's Pathology in SNCA, Parkin and PINK1 Mutation Carriers

This study is trying to find a specific marker for Parkinson's disease by using advanced brain imaging techniques on people with genetic mutations linked to the condition.

Quick facts

• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 45 (estimated)
• Ages: 25 Years to 80 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: University of Exeter (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Exeter, Devon)
• Trial ID: NCT05518617 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to identify a biomarker for Parkinson's disease (PD) through advanced imaging techniques, including Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT), and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Participants will undergo a series of assessments over four visits within a three-month period, which will help researchers understand the brain changes associated with PD. The study focuses on individuals with genetic mutations linked to PD, as their data may provide insights into the disease's causes and progression. Ultimately, the findings could contribute to the development of new treatments aimed at delaying PD symptoms.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals with genetic mutations associated with Parkinson's disease.

Not a fit: Patients with sporadic Parkinson's disease without known genetic mutations may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to the discovery of a reliable biomarker for Parkinson's disease, facilitating earlier diagnosis and the development of targeted therapies.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using imaging to identify biomarkers in Parkinson's disease is established, this specific focus on genetic PD is relatively novel and may provide new insights.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* All subjects must be judged by the investigator able to understand the nature, design, and procedures of the study and must be able to provide a signed and dated informed consent in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP), International Conference on Harmonization (ICH), and local regulations.
* All subjects must be willing and able to comply with scheduled visits, required study procedures and laboratory tests.
* All subjects must be able to travel to the research sites for the study procedures.
* For female subjects: They must be either of non-childbearing potential (either surgically sterile or post- menopausal - defined as 12 months of spontaneous amenorrhea), or, if of childbearing potential, subjects must demonstrate to be non-pregnant (as demonstrated by negative urine β-HCG test at screening), non-breastfeeding.
* All subjects must comply with highly effective contraceptive measures. A highly effective contraceptive measure is defined as a measure that can achieve a failure rate of less than 1% per year when used consistently and correctly. These methods are listed in more detail below:

Oral, intravaginal, or transdermal combined (estrogen and progestogen containing) hormonal contraception associated with inhibition of ovulation;

Oral, injectable, or implantable progestogen-only hormonal contraception associated with inhibition of ovulation:

Intrauterine device (IUD)

Intrauterine hormone-releasing system (IUS)

Bilateral tubal occlusion

Vasectomised partner

Sexual abstinence

* For sexually active male subjects, they must agree to use condoms to protect their partners from becoming pregnant for the duration of the study and for 3 months after the last administration of PET or SPECT ligands. They must also agree to ensure that they and their partners are routinely using a medically approved contraceptive method. It is important that male subjects not impregnate others for the duration of the study and for 3 months after the last administration of PET or SPECT ligands.

  \*\*All subjects must have adequate visual and auditory acuity according to investigator's judgement to complete the psychological testing.
* All subjects must have no use of medications with known interaction with serotonergic transmission (e.g. selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressant, triptans, etc).
* For subjects taking any drugs that might interfere with dopamine transporter SPECT imaging (neuroleptics, metoclopramide, alpha methyldopa, methylphenidate, reserpine, or amphetamine derivative) must be willing and able from a medical standpoint to hold the medication for at least 5 half-lives prior to screening DaTSCANä imaging.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Subjects lacking capacity according to investigator judgement.
* Subjects with a clinical diagnosis of dementia as determined by the investigator.
* Current treatment with anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin, heparin) that might preclude safe completion of the lumbar puncture.
* Condition that precludes the safe performance of routine lumbar puncture, such as prohibitive lumbar spinal disease, bleeding diathesis, or clinically significant coagulopathy or thrombocytopenia.
* Use of any of the following drugs that might interfere with dopamine transporter SPECT imaging: neuroleptics, metoclopramide, alpha methyldopa, methylphenidate, reserpine, or amphetamine derivative, within 5 months of Screening.
* Use of investigational drugs or devices within 60 days prior to Baseline (dietary supplements taken outside of a clinical trial are not exclusionary, e.g., coenzyme Q10).
* History of cancer within the last 5 years, with the exception of non-metastatic basal cell carcinoma of the skin.
* Subjects with current or recent history of drug or alcohol abuse/dependence.
* Contraindication to MRI, such as presence of metal devises or implants (e.g. pacemaker, vascular- or heart- valves, stents, clips), metal deposited in the body (e.g. bullets or shells), or metal grains in the eyes;
* Claustrophobia or history of back pain that makes prolonged laying on the PET or MRI scanner intolerable.
* Previously obtained MRI scan with evidence of clinically significant neurological disorder (in the opinion of the Investigator).
* Any other medical or psychiatric condition or lab abnormality, which in the opinion of the investigator might preclude participation.

Where this trial is running

Exeter, Devon

• University Of Exeter — Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Marios Politits, Professor — The University of Exeter
• Study coordinator: Marios Politis, Professor

Conditions: Parkinson Disease, Nervous System Disorder, Neurodegenerative Diseases, Neurodegenerative Disease, Hereditary, Parkinson's