MRI for Brain Tumor

This trial aims to determine if brain scans and blood tests can predict changes in memory or attention following radiation treatment for brain tumors. Researchers seek to identify whether these tests can pinpoint individuals likely to experience significant changes in brain function. The trial includes PET and MRI brain scans, a blood draw, and a memory test. Individuals with high-grade glioma, a type of brain tumor, who are about to begin six weeks of combined chemotherapy and radiation, may be suitable candidates. Participants should not have severe cognitive impairments or be taking medications that enhance cognition. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could improve future brain tumor treatments.

If you are currently taking cognition-enhancing medications like Donepezil, Memantine, Armodafinil, or Methylphenidate, you will need to stop taking them to participate in this trial. If you are on blood thinners, you can still join the main study but cannot participate in the optional lumbar puncture.

Research has shown that PET-MRI is a promising tool for studying brain tumors, providing detailed images that enhance doctors' understanding. This combination of PET and MRI aids in both diagnosing and managing brain conditions.

Regarding safety, studies have examined the use of PET-MRI with the tracer 18F-fluciclovine in patients with severe brain tumors. These studies found it safe for managing brain tumors in children, indicating it is well-tolerated.

This trial focuses on using PET-MRI scans to better understand high-grade gliomas, a type of aggressive brain tumor. Researchers are excited about this trial because combining PET and MRI scans offers a more detailed picture of the tumor's structure and activity than standard MRI or CT scans alone. This comprehensive imaging approach could lead to more accurate assessments of how the tumor is responding to chemoradiation, potentially improving personalized treatment plans. Additionally, by including memory testing and blood draws, researchers hope to gather valuable data on how these tumors and their treatments affect brain function and overall health.

Research has shown that using both PET and MRI scans together can improve the diagnosis of brain tumors, such as high-grade gliomas. In this trial, participants will undergo PET-MRI scans, which studies have found to be slightly more effective at identifying these tumors than PET/CT scans. This combined method helps doctors see the tumor more clearly and might predict changes in brain function after treatments like radiation. PET scans use a special dye to show how organs function, while MRIs use magnets and radio waves to create detailed brain images. By combining these scans, doctors can gain a clearer view of brain activity, which is crucial for planning treatment.²⁶⁷⁸⁹