New MRI technique for diagnosing gliomas

Simultaneous Multinuclear (Na+/H+) Metabolic MRI in Brain Tumors

EARLY_PHASE1 · Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center · NCT05045027

This study is testing a new MRI method to see if it can help doctors better diagnose and understand brain tumors called gliomas in patients who are just diagnosed or have had them come back.

Quick facts

PhaseEARLY_PHASE1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorJonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (other)
Drugs / interventionsimmunotherapy
Locations1 site (Los Angeles, California)
Trial IDNCT05045027 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to develop and test a novel multinuclear metabolic MRI sequence that measures sodium concentration, pH, and oxygen levels in patients with newly diagnosed or recurrent gliomas. The study will correlate these MRI measurements with tissue samples obtained through biopsies to better understand tumor biology. Patients will undergo MRI scans before and after receiving immunotherapy, allowing researchers to quantify changes in tumor characteristics. The goal is to enhance early detection, diagnosis, and treatment strategies for brain cancer.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with newly diagnosed or recurrent gliomas that are clinically indicated for surgery or biopsy.

Not a fit: Patients who cannot safely undergo an MRI or are under 18 years old will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnostic imaging techniques that enhance the management of glioma patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using multinuclear metabolic MRI is innovative, similar imaging techniques have shown promise in other studies, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* AIM 1: Healthy volunteers with no evidence of brain tumors or neurologic disease
* AIM 1: Age 18+
* AIM 2: Newly diagnosed or recurrent suspected or confirmed glioma (low or high grade)
* AIM 2: 10 IDH mutant and 10 IDH wild type gliomas
* AIM 2: Clinically indicated for resective surgery or biopsy
* AIM 2: Age 18+
* AIM 2: Tumor size \> 1x1x1 cm (measurable)
* AIM 3: Recurrent glioma enrolled in an immunotherapy trial or clinically indicated to receive immunotherapy including anti-PD1
* AIM 3: Age 18+

Exclusion Criteria:

* AIM 1: Cannot safely perform an MRI
* AIM 1: Age \< 18
* AIM 2: Cannot safely perform an MRI or use of MRI contrast agents
* AIM 2: Age \< 18
* AIM 3: Cannot safely perform an MRI or use of MRI contrast agents
* AIM 3: Age \< 18

Where this trial is running

Los Angeles, California

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Glioma, Malignant Glioma, Recurrent Glioma, Recurrent Malignant Glioma

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.