Investigating early biomarkers in gene carriers of Huntington's disease
Early Biomarkers in Premanifest Huntington's Disease Gene Carriers: a Pilot Study
This study is testing if brain scans and virtual reality can help find early signs of Huntington's disease in people who carry the gene but don't have symptoms yet.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Grenoble Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Grenoble) |
| Trial ID | NCT06626308 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to identify early biomarkers of Huntington's disease in presymptomatic genetic carriers by comparing them to healthy subjects. Researchers will utilize functional brain MRI and virtual reality gait analysis to detect these biomarkers. The study seeks to enhance understanding of the disease's progression and potentially inform future therapeutic strategies. By focusing on individuals who carry the Huntington's gene but have not yet shown symptoms, the trial hopes to uncover critical insights into the disease's early manifestations.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 18-70 who are confirmed genetic carriers of Huntington's disease or healthy subjects with normal neurological examinations.
Not a fit: Patients with major ophthalmologic or psychiatric diseases, cognitive impairments, or gait issues unrelated to neurological conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to earlier diagnosis and intervention strategies for Huntington's disease, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies exploring biomarkers in Huntington's disease, this specific approach using functional MRI and virtual reality for early detection is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 1\. For PMGC: HD diagnosis confirmed by genetic testing (CAG triplets ≥36 in HTT gene); Unified Huntington Disease Rating Scale19 Total Motor Score (UHDRS-TMS) ≤ 5; age 18-70 years old. 2. For HC: normal neurological examination; age 18-70 years old. Exclusion Criteria: * Main exclusion criteria for both PMGC and HS will be: major ophthalmologic and psychiatric active diseases; cognitive impairment (Montreal Cognitive Assessment, MoCA score \< 25/30); gait issues related to non-neurological conditions; contraindications to brain MRI.
Where this trial is running
Grenoble
- Grenoble University Hospital — Grenoble, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Sara Meoni, MD, PhD
- Email: smeoni@chu-grenoble.fr
- Phone: +33 4 76 76 57 91
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.