New MRI technique could reveal hidden brain tumor activity
NCT ID NCT04540107
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests a new type of MRI scan that uses a special substance (hyperpolarized 13C pyruvate) to see how brain tumors use energy. Researchers want to know if this scan is safe and can show changes in tumor metabolism over time. About 300 people with low-grade gliomas will be scanned to help improve how these tumors are monitored and treated.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Hyperpolarized Carbon C 13 Pyruvate
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this imaging technique could help doctors better detect and monitor brain tumors, leading to more personalized treatment decisions.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early phase 1 study focused on safety and imaging feasibility, not treatment. The technique may not prove useful for routine care, and there is a small risk of side effects from the injected substance.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 1
The first testing in people. Mainly checks safety and dose, usually in a small group.
- Participants
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About 300 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jan 2017
- Expected to finish
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Jan 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * For patients in cohort 1: histologically proven lower grade glioma who are being followed with surveillance scans * For patients in cohort 2: histologically proven glioma who are scheduled for treatment due to suspected residual or recurrent tumor * Patients with a life expectancy \> 12 weeks * Patients must have a Karnofsky performance status of \>= 60 * Patients must have adequate renal function (creatinine \< 1.5 mg/dL) before imaging. These tests must be performed within 60 days prior to the hyperpolarized imaging scan. * Patients must not have any significant medical illnesses that in the investigator's opinion cannot be adequately controlled with appropriate therapy, would compromise the patient's ability to participate in this study or any disease that will obscure toxicity or dangerously impact response to the imaging agent. * Patients must not have New York Heart Association (NYHA) grade II or greater congestive heart failure * Patients must not have history of myocardial infarction or unstable angina within 12 months prior to study enrollment * This study was designed to include women and minorities, but was not designed to measure differences of intervention effects. Males and females will be recruited with no preference to gender. Minorities will actively be recruited to participate. No exclusion to this study will be based on race * Patients must sign an informed consent indicating that they are aware of the investigational nature of this study. Patients must sign an authorization for the release of their protected health information * Patients may not be known to be human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive. HIV testing is not required for study participation * Patients must not have a history of any other cancer (except non-melanoma skin cancer or carcinoma in-situ of the cervix), unless they are in complete remission and have been off all therapy for that disease for a minimum of 3 years * Patients must not be pregnant or breast-feeding. Women of childbearing potential are required to obtain a negative pregnancy test within 14 days of hyperpolarized imaging scan. Effective contraception (men and women) must be used in subjects of child-bearing potential Exclusion Criteria: * Subjects will be excluded from participating in this study if they are unable to comply with study and/or follow-up procedures
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Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The study's own enquiry address
This study publishes an address for enquiries. See it below .
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
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Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Study contacts
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Contact
Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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University of California, San Francisco
RECRUITINGSan Francisco, California, 94143, United States
Contact Email: •••••@•••••
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