Brain tumour clinical trial title
Imaging glioblastoma pH using CEST-MRI (Study ID: 35083)
Brain tumour type
Glioblastoma,
Website
ukctg.nihr.ac.uk/trials/trial-details/trial-details?trialNumber=ISRCTN86522205
Description:
Several studies have demonstrated that acidity within tumours is greater that in normal tissue. This effect is predominantly driven by the hypoxic (low oxygen) environment in the tumour cells, and accumulation of lactic/carboxylic acid as the cells generate energy in the absence of oxygen. Extracellular acidity has been linked to increased tumour invasion and angiogenesis (blood vessel formation), reduced immune function and also resistance to radiation and systemic cytotoxic (anti-cancer drug) therapy. Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI is a non-invasive imaging technique that can give a readout of tissue pH (acidity). Besides pH there is evidence that this technique is also sensitive to protein concentration in tumour models. This technique is already being assessed in stroke patients to aid the detection of areas with restricted blood supply and there is also a preclinical program in Oxford to develop this technique to evaluate tumours. The primary objective for this study is to evaluate CEST contrast image obtained from CEST MRI in glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer. As part of this study there are also several exploratory objectives in which the CEST-MRI signature will be correlated with tissue perfusion using arterial spin labelling/ASL perfusion MRI (a non-invasive imaging technique which assesses tissue perfusion/the extent of water and nutrient exchange with tissue) and tissue based testing including pH, protein content and immunohistochemistry to assess for hypoxia markers. Study participants (previously untreated glioblastoma patients for resection/debulking surgery) will undergo a CEST-MRI scan and ASL Perfusion MRI scan in addition to their standard care anatomical MRI scan. These may be repeated at the next standard care imaging visit if there are concerns over the time period between imaging and surgery. At surgery, biopsies will be taken for analysis prior to tumour resection/debulking. No visits additional to standard care are anticipated.
Research Summary
Date added:
11th January 2019
Open/Closed:
Open
Trial ends:
May 2019
Provider
Churchill Hospital
Contact details