PET Brain Imaging for Alzheimer's Disease and Multiple Sclerosis

(MAPET Trial)

This trial aims to explore the activity of certain brain cells, called microglia, in people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Alzheimer's Disease (AD) compared to healthy individuals. Researchers will use special PET scans with [C-11]PBR28 and [F-18]PBR06 (radioactive tracers) to determine if brain activity patterns differ between these conditions and whether this activity correlates with disease severity or other issues like pain or depression. Participants with active Relapsing-Remitting MS, those with Secondary Progressive MS, and individuals with mild Alzheimer's might be suitable, especially if they are willing to undergo PET and MRI scans and have not yet started specific treatments like Ocrelizumab or steroids. As a Phase 1, Phase 2 trial, this research focuses on understanding how the treatment works in people and measuring its effectiveness in an initial, smaller group, offering participants a chance to contribute to groundbreaking discoveries.

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are in the Ocrelizumab or steroids arm, you should not have started these treatments yet.

Studies have shown that both [C-11]PBR28 and [F-18]PBR06 are generally well-tolerated in PET scans. Research indicates that [C-11]PBR28 has been safely used to detect inflammation and other brain changes without significant side effects. In healthy individuals, studies have confirmed the radiation safety of [C-11]PBR28, making it reliable for imaging purposes.

For [F-18]PBR06, early findings suggest it is also safe for brain imaging, particularly in Alzheimer's Disease. Animal studies have shown that [F-18]PBR06 can effectively highlight brain changes with no major safety concerns reported. This radiotracer has been used to assess microglial activity, which is part of the brain's immune response.

Researchers are excited about this trial because it uses PET brain imaging with tracers like [C-11]PBR28 and [F-18]PBR06 to study neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases. Unlike traditional methods that might rely solely on clinical symptoms or MRI alone, these PET scans can provide a more detailed look at brain inflammation and activity. By comparing different tracers, the trial aims to identify which is better at highlighting disease activity. This could lead to more precise diagnosis and monitoring of conditions like Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimer's Disease, potentially improving treatment approaches in the future.

This trial will evaluate different treatments for multiple sclerosis, including Foralumab and Ocrelizumab. Research has shown that Foralumab can calm overactive brain cells and stabilize the condition in people with multiple sclerosis. This treatment might slow the disease and help manage symptoms more effectively. Meanwhile, long-term studies have demonstrated that Ocrelizumab significantly reduces relapses and slows the progression of disability in relapsing multiple sclerosis. After 10 years, most patients using Ocrelizumab did not need a walking aid. Both treatments have shown promise in managing multiple sclerosis by controlling the disease and its progression.⁶⁷⁸⁹¹⁰