New MRI technique to assess brain tumors after treatment

Development of a Clinical CEST MR Fingerprinting Method for Treatment Response Assessment in Brain Metastases

Observational Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center · NCT05559853

This study is testing a new MRI method to see if it can tell the difference between real tumor growth and changes caused by treatment in people with brain tumors.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment119 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT05559853 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to develop and test a novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique designed to differentiate between tumor growth due to cancer progression and growth resulting from treatment effects in patients with brain tumors. Participants include both healthy volunteers and patients with untreated brain metastases who are scheduled for stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). The study will utilize a specific MRI intervention known as CEST-MRF to gather data on brain tumor changes post-treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with at least one untreated brain metastasis greater than 1 cm.

Not a fit: Patients without a known cancer diagnosis or those with no untreated brain metastases will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved monitoring and treatment strategies for patients with brain metastases.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in utilizing advanced imaging techniques for tumor assessment.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Healthy volunteers \[for Study Aim 1 (SA1) and Study Aim 2 (SA2)\] will be entered into the study if they meet the following criteria:

* Age ≥ 18 years
* Able to understand and give informed consent
* No known cancer diagnosis

Patients \[for Study Aim 1 (SA1)\] will be entered into the study if they meet the following criteria:

* Age ≥ 18 years
* Able to understand and give informed consent
* At least one untreated brain metastasis \> 1cm (e.g., an enhancing lesion in the brain of a patient with known systemic cancer determined likely to represent metastasis by neuroradiologist)

Patients \[for Study Aim 3 (SA3)\] will be entered into the study if they meet the following criteria:

* Age ≥ 18 years
* Able to understand and give informed consent
* At least one untreated brain metastasis \> 1cm (e.g., an enhancing lesion in the brain of a patient with known systemic cancer determined likely to represent metastasis by neuroradiologist)
* Planned SRS treatment

Exclusion Criteria:

Healthy volunteers (SA1 \& SA2) and patients (SA1 \& SA3) exclusion criteria:

* Pregnant or breastfeeding women
* Pre-existing medical conditions, including the likelihood of developing seizures or claustrophobic reactions, and any greater than normal potential for cardiac arrest
* Age \< 18 years

Where this trial is running

New York, New York

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 Brain MetastasesBrain Metastases, AdultMetastatic Brain TumorMetastatic Brain CancerHealthy Volunteersmetastatic brain tumormetastatic brain cancerMRI
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.