Using advanced MRI techniques to improve radiation treatment for high-grade gliomas

Adaptive Radiotherapy Based on Multi-Parametric Diffusion- and Perfusion-weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients With Newly Diagnosed High-Grade Glioma

This study is testing if using special MRI scans during radiation treatment can help doctors better target tough areas of high-grade gliomas while protecting healthy tissue.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 20 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Columbia University (other)
• Drugs / interventions: radiation
• Locations: 1 site (New York, New York)
• Trial ID: NCT06108206 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates whether performing additional MRI scans during radiation treatment for high-grade gliomas can enhance the effectiveness of the therapy. It employs advanced imaging techniques, specifically Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI) and Perfusion Weighted Imaging (PWI), to identify areas of the tumor that are more likely to resist treatment. By adapting the radiation dose based on these imaging results, the study aims to target resistant tumor regions while sparing healthy tissue. This approach has not been widely implemented in clinical practice, making it a novel exploration in the field of radiotherapy for brain tumors.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older with a confirmed diagnosis of glioblastoma, anaplastic astrocytoma, or anaplastic oligodendroglioma who are planning to undergo radiation therapy.

Not a fit: Patients with prior treatment for their tumor or those with evidence of metastatic disease outside the brain may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more effective radiation treatments for patients with high-grade gliomas, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While advanced imaging techniques have shown promise in select clinical settings, this specific adaptive radiotherapy approach using DWI and PWI is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Histopathologically proven diagnosis of glioblastoma, anaplastic astrocytoma, or anaplastic oligodendroglioma
* History and physical examination within 28 days prior to enrollment
* Karnofsky performance status 70 or greater
* Age 18 years or greater
* Negative pregnancy test for females of childbearing potential before 1st research MRI, performed in accordance to institutional guidelines.
* Plan to receive 59.4-60 Gy in 30-33 fractions of radiotherapy. Glioblastoma patients over 65 year-old can receive hypofractionated radiotherapy including 40 Gy in 15 fractions.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Prior therapy for tumor except for biopsy or resection, including prior radiotherapy to the brain.
* Clinical or radiological evidence of metastatic disease outside the brain
* Prior malignancy (except non-melanomatous skin cancer) unless disease free for a minimum of 2 years

Where this trial is running

New York, New York

• Columbia University Irving Medical Center/NYPH — New York, New York, United States (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Tony J. Wang, MD — Columbia University
• Study coordinator: Tony J. Wang, MD

Conditions: Glioblastoma, Anaplastic Astrocytoma, Astrocytoma, Anaplastic Oligodendroglioma, Adaptive Radiotherapy, High-grade glioma, Perfusion-weighted imaging, Diffusion weighted imaging