Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

FCI-Glioblastoma Study

This study is investigating a new type of MRI scan called Field-Cycling Imaging (FCI). This new scan aims to help doctors understand what's happening in patients with a type of brain tumour called glioblastoma. Sometimes, after treatment, an area on a regular MRI scan can look like the tumour is growing, but it's not actually cancer; this is called 'pseudo-progression'. It's very important to tell these two things apart to make sure patients get the right treatment. The main goal of this study is to see if FCI can accurately tell the difference between real tumour growth and pseudo-progression. Participants will have three sets of scans: a standard MRI and the new FCI scan, spread out over their treatment journey.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

University of Aberdeen

Enrolment target

Start

01 May 2026

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2027

Glioblastom WHO Grade 4

What is this study about?

Imagine you have a jigsaw puzzle, and sometimes a piece looks like it fits, but it's actually for a different part of the picture. That’s a bit like what can happen with glioblastoma. After treatment, a regular MRI scan might show changes in the brain that look like the tumour is growing back. However, sometimes these changes are not actually new cancer cells but instead a side effect of the treatment, known as 'pseudo-progression'. It's really important for doctors to know the difference, as it changes how they might treat you next.

This study is testing a new kind of MRI scan called Field-Cycling Imaging (FCI). It's a bit different from a standard MRI and we hope it might give doctors a clearer picture. We want to see if this new scan can help doctors tell apart real tumour growth from pseudo-progression. If it can, this could help many people with glioblastoma get the most appropriate treatment at the right time.

By taking part, you would be helping researchers learn more about how glioblastoma behaves and how best to monitor it. This could potentially lead to better care for future patients.

Key takeaways

This study uses a new MRI scan (FCI) for glioblastoma.
It aims to tell if changes on scans are real tumour growth or not.
Participation involves three sets of scans on top of your usual care.
You won't receive new medicines as part of the study.
Your involvement helps improve future understanding and care for glioblastoma patients.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be between 18 and 70 years old and have been diagnosed with a specific type of brain tumour called glioblastoma. You should be about to start a standard chemotherapy treatment called temozolomide, which usually follows surgery and radiotherapy. Importantly, you need to be able to have MRI scans and understand English to give your permission to take part.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you've had other treatments for glioblastoma beyond surgery and radiotherapy, or if you're planning to have another specific type of treatment called Tumor-Treating Fields. Also, if you have any medical conditions that make MRI scans unsafe for you, like certain metal implants, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you wouldn't be able to participate. We also can't include you if you've already had brain radiotherapy or chemotherapy for a different, lower-grade brain tumour.

Quick self-check

Are you between 18 and 70 years old?
Have you been diagnosed with glioblastoma and are about to start a specific chemotherapy (temozolomide)?
Are you able to have regular MRI scans?
Can you understand written and spoken English?
Have you only had surgery and radiotherapy for your glioblastoma so far (no other specific treatments)?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you'll have three sets of scans in total. Each set involves two different types of scans: a standard MRI scan and the new Field-Cycling Imaging (FCI) scan. Each scan could last for up to an hour. You'll have the first set of scans just before you start your standard chemotherapy, called temozolomide. The second set will be after you've completed about three cycles of this chemotherapy. The final set of scans will be once you've finished all your planned chemotherapy treatment. You won't be given any new medication as part of the study, and your regular glioblastoma treatment will continue as planned by your medical team.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of taking part include helping doctors learn more about glioblastoma and potentially improving how patients are monitored in the future. You will also get extra scans which your doctors can review. There are no direct personal medical benefits guaranteed from participating. Potential risks are generally low, mainly related to the MRI scans themselves, such as discomfort in the scanner or reactions to the contrast dye used in standard MRI. You can withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

University of Aberdeen
Aberdeen, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is glioblastoma?

Glioblastoma is the most common type of cancerous brain tumour in adults. It's a serious condition that doctors are always trying to understand and treat better.

What is 'pseudo-progression'?

Pseudo-progression is when a scan looks like the tumour is growing after treatment, but it's actually swelling or changes from the treatment itself, not actual cancer growth.

What is Field-Cycling Imaging (FCI)?

FCI is a new, advanced type of MRI scan that researchers hope will give more detailed information about brain tissue to help tell the difference between tumour and non-tumour changes.

Will I get extra medicine in this study?

No, this study is only about scans. You will continue to receive your standard glioblastoma treatment as planned by your own doctors.

How long will I be in the study?

You will participate in the study for the duration of your standard chemotherapy treatment, as you will have scans at the beginning, middle, and end of this treatment period.

How to find out more

Anne Kiltie, Prof

anne.kiltie@abdn.ac.uk +44 1224438651 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.