Advanced Imaging Techniques for Evaluating the Tumor Immune Microenvironment in Glioblastoma Patients

Overview

This phase III trial is evaluating whether a combination of three advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques, including chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI, diffusion-relaxation correlation spectrum imaging (DR-CSI), and ferumoxytol-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (Fe-MRI) are effective as non-invasive methods for assessing the cells and proteins that surround and interact with tumor cells (the tumor immune microenvironment) in patients with glioblastoma. Researchers understand that some types of brain tumors are harder to treat than others, but the reasons for this are not known in many cases. CEST MRI uses differences in the tissue microenvironment, like protein concentration or intracellular pH, to generate contrast differences. DR-CSI detects microstructural changes in tissue associated with immune cells infiltrating the tumor. Fe-MRI uses ferumoxytol as a contrast agent with MRI. Contrast agents are substances that are injected into the body and taken up by certain tissues, making the tissues easier to see in imaging scans. More advanced imaging techniques like CEST, DR-CSI, and Fe-MRI may offer less invasive methods than surgery or biopsy for helping researchers understand the tumor immune microenvironment in patients with glioblastoma, which may help researchers determine why some tumors are more resistant to treatment.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: I. To establish the biological validation of advanced MRI as a non-invasive imaging modality for assessing the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in glioma. SECONDARY OBJECTIVES: I. Conduct more detailed correlation explorations focusing on relevant subpopulations, such as cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4+) versus ( cluster of differentiation 8 (CD8+) T cells and M1- versus M2-like tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). II. Perform exploratory correlation analysis between tumor-averaged imaging measures with systemic immunological markers (T cell activation and interferon pathway signaling), to improve our understanding of the relationship between local tissue immune environment and systemic immune response in glioma patients. OUTLINE: Patients undergo research CEST MRI and DR-CSI over 30 minutes at research visit 1, up to 28 days before standard of care surgery/biopsy. Following research CEST MRI and DR-CSI at research visit 1, patients receive ferumoxytol intravenously (IV) over 10-15 minutes. Approximately 24-48 hours later, patients undergo Fe-MRI over 15 minutes at research visit 2. Patients also undergo standard of care clinical MRI and collection of blood samples on study. After completion of study intervention, patients are followed up until death.