Investigating neuroinflammation in frontotemporal lobar degeneration

Neuroinflammation in Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration - a Multimodal Biomarker Study

Observational Leiden University Medical Center · NCT06870838

This study is trying to see how inflammation in the brain affects people with frontotemporal lobar degeneration and includes both patients with the condition and healthy individuals at risk for it.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment110 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorLeiden University Medical Center Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Leiden and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06870838 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore the role of neuroinflammation in frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) using advanced techniques such as 7T MRI and biomarker analysis. Participants will undergo clinical assessments, blood sampling, and lumbar punctures to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The study will include patients diagnosed with various forms of FTLD and healthy individuals at risk for genetic mutations associated with the disease. Follow-up assessments will be conducted after one year to monitor disease progression and evaluate the effectiveness of identified biomarkers.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with FTLD-tau or FTLD-TDP, as well as presymptomatic mutation carriers.

Not a fit: Patients with other neurological or psychiatric disorders that may affect cognitive functions will likely not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and monitoring of FTLD, potentially guiding future therapeutic interventions.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using neuroinflammation biomarkers in FTLD is promising, it is still relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in previous studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Ability to undergo MRI scanning
* For probable FTLD-tau: a clinical diagnosis of PSP, CBS or nfvPPA, or any clinical FTLD spectrum diagnosis with a proven MAPT mutation
* For probable FTLD-TDP: a clinical diagnosis of svPPA or any clinical FTLD spectrum diagnosis with a proven GRN mutation or C9orf72 repeat expansion
* For presymptomatic mutation carriers: a MAPT mutation, GRN mutation or a C9orf72 mutation without clinical sign of a FTLD spectrum phenotype (CDR 0) For control subjects: no known neurological or psychiatric disorder
* For controls: no known neurological or psychiatric disorder

Exclusion Criteria:

* Other neurological or psychiatric disorder that may affect cognitive functions, such as a brain tumour, multiple sclerosis or drug or alcohol abuse or use of psycho-active medications
* CSF profile (β-amyloid, p-tau, t-tau) suggestive of AD pathology
* Clinical dementia Rating Scale (CDR) score \>1
* Contra-indication to undergo MRI
* Contra-indication to undergo lumbar puncture

Where this trial is running

Leiden and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Corticobasal SyndromePrimary Progressive AphasiaProgressive Supranuclear PalsyBehavioral Variant Frontotemporal DementiaFrontotemporal Lobar DegenerationFrontotemporal lobar degenerationIron accumulation7T-MRI
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.