Identifying MRI biomarkers for antipsychotic treatment response in schizophrenia
A Study Investigating the Relationship Between the Antipsychotic Response and Non-invasive Proxies of Neurochemistry in Schizophrenia
This study is trying to find out if special MRI scans can help identify which people with schizophrenia will respond best to certain antipsychotic medications.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ottawa, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT06159322 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This research project aims to develop MRI-based biomarkers to identify which patients with schizophrenia are most likely to benefit from first-line antipsychotic or clozapine treatment. By utilizing advanced MRI techniques, including neuromelanin sensitive MRI (NM-MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), the study will explore the relationship between dopamine and glutamate function and treatment response. The study will also investigate the effectiveness of a novel resting-state functional MRI approach using naturalistic movie-watching to predict treatment outcomes. The ultimate goal is to improve patient outcomes and reduce unnecessary interventions and costs.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 18-55 with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who are currently taking olanzapine or clozapine.
Not a fit: Patients who have had a change in their schizophrenia medication in the past month or have significant comorbid conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more personalized and effective treatment options for patients with schizophrenia.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using MRI biomarkers in this context is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in predicting treatment responses in other psychiatric conditions.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Are voluntary and competent to consent to the study * Are between the ages of 18-55 * Are English literate * Have a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder * Are currently taking primarily olanzapine or clozapine Exclusion Criteria: * Medication for the treatment of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder has changed in the past month * Have a significant neurologic, neurodevelopmental, cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, hematological, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, or metabolic-endocrine disorder * Are pregnant or breastfeeding * Acquire positive urine test result for all drugs of abuse including cannabis * Have met DSM-5 criteria for substance use disorder other than tobacco in the last 6 months * Have a history of significant head trauma with loss of consciousness for more than 5 minutes * Have any contraindication to MRI * Have any other condition that in the opinion of the investigator(s) could create a hazard to the subject's safety, endanger the study procedures, or interfere with the interpretation of study results
Where this trial is running
Ottawa, Ontario
- The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research — Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Lauri Tuominen, MD, PhD — The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research
- Study coordinator: Lauri Tuominen, MD, PhD
- Email: Lauri.Tuominen@theroyal.ca
- Phone: (613) 722-6521
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.