Positron Emission Tomography to Characterize in vivo Neuroinflammation in the Spinal Cord in People with ALS

Study Purpose:

This study is being conducted to learn more about inflammation in the spinal cord and brain of people with ALS. Inflammation is being assessed using simultaneous magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET).

Disease:

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS),  Familial ALS,  Sporadic ALS, Healthy Volunteer

Study Type:

Observational Study

Study Category:

Biomarkers/Imaging

Study Status:

Active, currently recruiting

Phase:

Not Applicable

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

Nazem Atassi, MD, Massachusetts General Hospital

Clinicaltrials.gov ID (11 digit #):

Not Applicable

Neals Affiliated?

No

Coordinating Center Contact Information

Massachusetts General Hospital
Paul Cernasov / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) / 617-726-1880
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) 55 Fruit Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02114 United States

Full Study Summary:

Massachusetts General Hospital is seeking individuals to participate in a brain imaging research study enrolling under the direction of Nazem Atassi, MD, MMSc. The study is funded by the ALS Finding a Cure Foundation. This study is recruiting two groups:

1)  People with ALS

2)  People with no history of neurological conditions

This study is being conducted to learn more about inflammation in the spinal cord and brain of people with ALS. Inflammation is being assessed using simultaneous magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET).

Participants should be 18-80 years old, safe to undergo MRI (no magnetic or electrically powered implants), and able to comfortably lay flat for over an hour. Participants will be reimbursed for parking and up to $300 for completing all imaging components.

Study Sponsor:

ALS Finding a Cure

Participant Duration:

2 visits over 3 months

Estimated Enrollment:

Estimated Study Start Date:

11/23/2016

Estimated Study Completion Date:

05/16/2017

Posting Last Modified Date:

12/08/2016

Date Study Added to alsconsortium.org:

12/08/2016
  • More Information

    What participants may be asked to do

    Simultaneous magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET)

    Study activities may include:

    • Blood draw
    • Injection or IV
    • MRI Scan
    • PET Scan

    What participants may get

    Participants will be reimbursed for parking and up to $200 for completing all imaging components.

    For more information, please visit https://clinicaltrials.partners.org/study/10104

  • Eligibility Criteria

    Gender:

    Female, Male

    Minimum Age:

    18

    Maximum Age:

    80

    Time since Symptom Onset:

    N/A

    Time since Diagnosis:

    N/A

    Can participants use Riluzole?

    Yes


    Participants should be 18-80 years old, safe to undergo MRI (no magnetic or electrically powered implants), and able to comfortably lay flat for over an hour.

  • Site Contact Information

    Massachusetts General Hospital
    Paul Cernasov / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) / 617-726-1880
    55 Fruit Street
    Boston, Massachusetts 02114
    United States