Using advanced MRI techniques to monitor ALS progression
Novel MRI Biomarkers for Monitoring Disease Progression in ALS
This study is testing new MRI techniques to see how ALS changes over time in patients, helping to improve future treatments.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 700 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Alberta Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 9 sites (Miami, Florida and 8 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT03362658 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to develop and evaluate novel MRI techniques that can provide objective measures of degeneration in patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Participants will undergo three MRI scans over eight months, along with neurological and cognitive evaluations, to assess disease progression. The research is part of the Canadian ALS Neuroimaging Consortium (CALSNIC), which seeks to standardize MRI protocols across multiple centers and validate these measures against clinical assessments. The ultimate goal is to enhance the understanding of ALS and improve the testing of new drugs.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of ALS, as well as healthy controls over the age of 40.
Not a fit: Patients with significant psychiatric or neurological conditions, or those ineligible for MRI due to medical devices, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to earlier diagnosis and better monitoring of ALS, potentially accelerating the discovery of effective treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using MRI biomarkers for ALS, but this approach aims to standardize and validate these techniques across multiple centers.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with a suspected or confirmed diagnosis as described in Study Populations * For those with a diagnosis of ALS, patients will be considered with an El Escorial classification of suspected, possible, probable, probable lab-supported, and definite ALS. * Patients 18 years of age or older * Healthy controls over the age of 40. * Be able to lie in an MRI machine for approximately 60 minutes Exclusion Criteria: * Subjects with psychiatric/CNS illnesses such as Major Depressive Disorder, Schizophrenia, and Bipolar disorder. * Subjects with significant head injury or other neurological disease (stroke, brain tumour). * Subjects ineligible for MRI investigation due to a pacemaker or other metallic foreign body.
Where this trial is running
Miami, Florida and 8 other locations
- University of Miami — Miami, Florida, United States (Recruiting)
- University of Utah — Salt Lake City, Utah, United States (Recruiting)
- University of Calgary / Heritage Medical Research Clinic — Calgary, Alberta, Canada (Recruiting)
- University of Alberta — Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (Recruiting)
- University of British Columbia / GF Strong Rehab Centre — Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (Withdrawn)
- Western University / London Health Sciences Centre — London, Ontario, Canada (Withdrawn)
- University of Toronto / Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
- McGill University / Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital — Montreal, Quebec, Canada (Recruiting)
- Laval University — Quebec City, Quebec, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sanjay Kalra, MD — Frcpc
- Study coordinator: Sara Moradipoor, MSc
- Email: moradipo@ualberta.ca
- Phone: 780-248-1805
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.