Using entire-body PET scans to evaluate multiple sclerosis
Exploratory Study of Entire-body PET Scans for Multiple Sclerosis
EARLY_PHASE1 · Brain Health Alliance · NCT04390009
This study is testing if whole-body PET scans can help track nerve damage in people with multiple sclerosis compared to healthy individuals.
Quick facts
| Phase | EARLY_PHASE1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 25 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Brain Health Alliance (other) |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy, radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Ladera Ranch, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT04390009 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to assess the effectiveness of entire-body positron emission tomography (PET) scans in evaluating and monitoring demyelination in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). It will utilize advanced PET-CT scanners to measure the uptake of the F18-florbetapir radiopharmaceutical in the nervous system, comparing MS patients to healthy individuals. The pilot study will involve 20 participants and will also monitor the psychological health of those who choose to receive their imaging results. The primary goal is to identify differences in radiotracer activity between MS patients and healthy subjects.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis by a qualified neurologist and healthy subjects willing to participate.
Not a fit: Patients with additional complicating medical illnesses or neuropsychiatric disorders unrelated to MS may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the evaluation and monitoring of multiple sclerosis, leading to better patient management.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of PET imaging in MS is being explored, this specific approach utilizing entire-body PET scans is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients diagnosed by a credentialed neurologist experienced with care of multiple sclerosis patients. * Normal healthy subjects. * Willing and able to lie motionless on the PET-CT scanner bed for at least 10 minutes and up to 20 minutes for the duration of the PET-CT medical imaging scan. Exclusion Criteria: * Any additional complicating medical illness other than MS including any other neuropsychiatric illness unrelated to MS diagnosed prior to the onset of initial symptoms of MS. * Pregnancy or breast feeding. * Diabetes or other metabolic-endocrine disorders. * Any known concomitant acute infection. * History of metastatic or locally invasive cancer. * Recent surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Where this trial is running
Ladera Ranch, California
- Brain Health Alliance — Ladera Ranch, California, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Carl Taswell, MD, PhD — Brain Health Alliance
- Study coordinator: Carl Taswell, MD, PhD
- Email: ctaswell@brainhealthalliance.org
- Phone: 949-481-3121
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.
Conditions: Multiple Sclerosis, Entire-body PET imaging