Using advanced MRI to image the tumor immune environment in glioblastoma
Official title: Advanced MRI for Visualization and Quantification of the Tumor Immune Microenvironment (TIME) in Glioblastoma
Run by Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center · NCT07461948 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether three advanced MRI methods (CEST, DR-CSI, and ferumoxytol-enhanced MRI) can noninvasively measure immune cells and proteins around glioblastoma tumors in adults preparing for surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 3 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 15 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 27, 2025 |
| Main results expected | October 27, 2028 |
| Study ends | October 27, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | March 10, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07461948 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (≥18) with confirmed or suspected glioblastoma who have a measurable contrast-enhancing lesion (>1 mL) and are scheduled for standard-of-care surgical resection or biopsy and can safely undergo 3T MRI and ferumoxytol infusion are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who cannot tolerate 3T MRI, have contraindications to iron-oxide contrast (ferumoxytol), or do not have a measurable contrast-enhancing lesion are unlikely to benefit from the imaging endpoints.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This Phase III effort combines three MRI techniques—chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST), diffusion-relaxation correlation spectrum imaging (DR-CSI), and ferumoxytol-enhanced MRI—to generate noninvasive measures of the tumor immune microenvironment in glioblastoma patients. Participants undergo CEST and DR-CSI at an initial research visit, receive an IV infusion of ferumoxytol, and return 24–48 hours later for ferumoxytol-enhanced MRI; blood samples and standard clinical MRIs are also collected. Imaging results will be compared with tissue obtained at planned surgical resection or biopsy and with systemic immune markers to biologically validate imaging signatures of immune cell subtypes and macrophage polarization. Patients are followed until death to link imaging measures with clinical outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these MRI methods could provide a noninvasive way to profile the tumor immune environment, helping guide treatment decisions and reducing reliance on invasive sampling.
How similar studies have gone: Smaller clinical and preclinical studies have shown promise for CEST and iron-oxide–enhanced MRI to detect immune-related signals, but combining these techniques with DR-CSI in a large Phase III validation is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Male or female ≥ 18 years of age * Documentation of a confirmed or suspected diagnosis of glioblastoma * The participant is scheduled to undergo standard of care surgical tumor resection and/or biopsy * The participant has a measurable contrast-enhancing lesion (\> 1ml) based on the most recent MRI prior to resection/biopsy Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of a condition or abnormality that in the opinion of the investigator would compromise the safety of the patient or the quality of the data * Individuals who cannot tolerate MRI scan, or with contraindication to 3-Tesla (3T) MRI * Any abnormalities that would be a contraindication to iron-oxide nanoparticle-based contrast agent. Medical history will be gathered from the patient and clinical chart. The information will be reviewed with medical professionals (Doctor of Medicine \[MD\]) to determine the eligibility of the patient
Where it's running
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UCLA / Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center
Los Angeles, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jingwen Yao — UCLA / Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.