Identifying new MRI biomarkers for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
New Magnetic Resonance Imaging Biomarkers in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
This study is trying to find new MRI markers for ALS by looking at brain, spinal cord, and muscle changes in people with ALS and healthy individuals to help with earlier diagnosis and tracking the disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 160 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Assistance Publique Hopitaux De Marseille Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Marseille) |
| Trial ID | NCT04691011 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project focuses on discovering new biomarkers for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) using advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques at both 3T and 7T field strengths. The study aims to identify specific lesions associated with ALS in the brain, spinal cord, and muscles, which could facilitate earlier diagnosis and better tracking of disease progression. Participants will undergo MRI scans at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months, with results compared to neurological and electrophysiological tests. The study will recruit ALS patients and healthy controls from the ALS center in Marseille, France.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis who can undergo MRI scans.
Not a fit: Patients with other psychiatric or central/peripheral nervous system diseases, or those ineligible for MRI due to medical devices or claustrophobia, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to earlier diagnosis and improved monitoring of ALS progression, ultimately enhancing patient care.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using advanced MRI techniques for ALS is promising, it is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in previous studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients will be adults with a diagnosis of ALS. * Healthy controls will also be recruited and will be age- and gender-matched to patients. * Patients able to undergo a brain MRI for approximately an hour. Exclusion Criteria: * Subjects with other psychiatric or CNS or PNS diseases. * Subjects ineligible for MRI investigation due to a pacemaker or other metallic foreign body, or significant claustrophobia that could affect the ability to have an MRI scan.
Where this trial is running
Marseille
- Shahram Attarian — Marseille, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Shahram Attarian
- Email: shahram.attarian@ap-hm.fr
- Phone: 33491386579
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.