Precision Radiotherapy Enabled by Molecular MRI
This is a research study to determine if a novel molecular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique, called amide proton transfer (APT) imaging, is useful in identifying the most aggressive areas of tumor needed for radiotherapy of brain tumors.
• Histologic confirmation of glioblastoma or grade 4 astrocytoma
• Age \>18
• KPS at least 60
• Patients must have normal organ and marrow function as defined below:
‣ leukocytes \>3,000/mcL
⁃ absolute neutrophil count \>1,500/mcL
⁃ platelets \>100,000/mcL
⁃ total bilirubin within normal institutional limits
⁃ AST(SGOT)/ALT(SGPT) \<2.5
⁃ institutional upper limit of normal
⁃ creatinine within normal institutional limits OR creatinine clearance \>60 mL/min/1.73 m2 for patients with creatinine levels above institutional normal.
• Patients of child-bearing potential (male or female) must practice adequate contraception due to possible harmful effects of radiation therapy on an unborn child.
• Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document.