Using Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy to Assess Spinal Cord Lesions

Establishing Daily Applicable Parameters for Using Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy of Spinal Cord

Not applicable Interventional M.D. Anderson Cancer Center · NCT06548776

This study is testing whether a special imaging technique called Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy can help doctors better understand spinal cord lesions in adults and how they change over time, especially after radiation treatment.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment13 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorM.D. Anderson Cancer Center Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Houston, Texas)
Trial IDNCT06548776 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) in assessing spinal cord lesions in adult patients. It will map the total spine spectrum at different echo times to facilitate future comparisons regarding the malignant potential and grading of spinal cord lesions. Additionally, the study will implement the MRS protocol on patients receiving prophylactic CNS radiation to test its reproducibility and the effects of radiation on the spinal cord over time.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 years old who are healthy or at high risk for leptomeningeal disease but do not have any spinal cord lesions.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of spinal cord lesions, malignancies, or other significant spinal conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the ability to detect and grade spinal cord lesions, leading to improved patient management and treatment outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of MRS in other contexts has shown promise, this specific application for spinal cord assessment is relatively novel and untested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Volunteers:

* Adults \> 18 years
* Healthy with no malignancy, demyelinating disease, back pain, degenerative disease, or spinal cord lesions.
* Consent able patients.

Patients with low volume LMD to receive treatment CNS radiation:

* Adults \> 18 years old.
* MR or CSF with evidence of LMD.
* Patients to receive CSI as part of standard treatment of LMD disease.
* Consent able patients, willingness and ability to comply with the study procedures.
* No spinal cord lesions only LMD disease
* Recruitment by radiation oncology faculty in consultation with Dr. De. . .

Exclusion Criteria:

Volunteers:

* Age \< 18 years
* Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals.
* History of cancer.
* History of spinal cord lesions including malignant, demyelinating, or inflammatory.
* History of prior spinal surgery.
* History of implantable devices.
* History of MR claustrophobia.
* Degenerative disease or spinal/back pain including myelopathy and radiculopathy.
* Scoliosis.

Patients with LMD:

* Age \< 18 years
* History of spinal cord lesions including malignant, demyelinating, or inflammatory.
* History of prior spinal surgery.
* History of implantable devices.
* History of MR claustrophobia.
* Degenerative disease or spinal/back pain including myelopathy and radiculopathy.
* Scoliosis.

Where this trial is running

Houston, Texas

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 Spinal Cord
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.