While both conventional and advanced MRI techniques offer important insights into MS pathophysiology, important aspects of this inflammatory disorder are undetectable with existing MRI technology. In Multiple Sclerosis (MS), there is growing interest in PET as an imaging modality that can increase the investigator's understanding of the disease processes and may add to an understanding of MS phenotype, particularly when combined with advanced MRI techniques such as myelin water imaging.
This is an exploratory study. PBR28 PET scan is new, promising and exploratory endpoints in MS clinical trials, making sample size estimation difficult. A separate pre-screening consent form will be issued for the TSPO rs6971 polymorphism and eGFR blood samples, a separate pre-screening step. Eligible participants, according to their TSPO rs6971 polymorphism will be presented a separate study consent form to continue into the clinical trial. Study Assessments include 1 PET scan, 1 MRI scan, OCT, EDSS exam, physical exam, cognitive questionnaires, etc.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
9
UBC MS & NMO Clinical Trials Group
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
RECRUITINGWhole Brain PBR28 binding
To show an increase in 11C-PBR28 binding in all sub-types of MS compared to healthy controls.
Time frame: January 2020
Myelin Water Imaging by MRI
To quantitatively measure the brain levels of water located within myelin
Time frame: January 2020
Optical Coherence Tomography
To correlate brain levels of inflammation measured by 11C-PBR28 with Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer (RNFL) thickness on Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT).
Time frame: January 2020
MS Spectroscopy
To correlate brain levels of inflammation and myelin measured by PET with cognitive dysfunction in MS patients.
Time frame: January 2020
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