Assessing Activation of Brain Microglia in ALS with Simultaneous MR-PET

Study Purpose:

This study is being conducted to learn more about inflammation in the brain of people with ALS and PLS. This information could help improve the diagnosis and development of treatments for other patients with ALS or PLS in the future.

Disease:

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Familial ALS, Sporadic ALS, Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS)

Study Type:

Observational Study

Study Category:

Biomarkers/Imaging

Study Status:

Not enrolling

Phase:

Not Applicable

Study Chair(s)/Principal Investigator(s):

Nazem Atassi, MD, MMSc (Massachusetts General Hospital)

Clinicaltrials.gov ID (11 digit #):

Not Applicable

Neals Affiliated?

Yes

Coordinating Center Contact Information

Massachusetts General Hospital
Catherine Cebulla / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) 165 Cambridge Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02114 United States

Full Study Summary:

Massachusetts General Hospital is seeking both people with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and healthy volunteers to participate in an imaging study enrolling under the direction of Dr. Nazem Atassi.

This study is being done to learn more about inflammation in the brain and spinal cord of people with ALS. This can be measured by using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET). This information may be very valuable for future development of new treatments for ALS.

Study Sponsor:

Neurodegenerative Disease Pilot Study Grant

Participant Duration:

6 visits over 24 months

Estimated Enrollment:

120

Estimated Study Start Date:

04/30/2012

Estimated Study Completion Date:

02/24/2017

Posting Last Modified Date:

04/05/2018

Date Study Added to alsconsortium.org:

11/02/2016

More Information

For more information, visit https://clinicaltrials.partners.org/study/9985
Eligibility Criteria

Gender:
Female, Male
Minimum Age:
18
Maximum Age:
N/A
Min Vital Capacity (% predicted normal):
50

Time since Symptom Onset:

Time since Diagnosis:

Can participants use Riluzole?

Participants must be at least 18 years of age and be able to answer brief questions about their medical and family history, as well as be willing and able to tolerate an MRI and PET scan (i.e. breathe comfortably while laying flat).

Participants will be reimbursed for parking and will receive compensation of up to 150 dollars per scan.
Site Contact Information

Massachusetts General Hospital
Catherine Cebulla / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) / 165 Cambridge Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02114
United States