RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Serotonin Release in Premotor and Motor PD

This research study wants to greatly improve our understanding of Parkinson's disease. We plan to use advanced brain scans, like PET and MRI, to look closely at how the brain changes. A main goal is to discover a 'biomarker' for Parkinson's. Think of a biomarker as an early warning sign or a way to track the disease, which doctors can measure. Finding a biomarker is very important because it could help us develop new treatments. These new medicines could potentially slow down or even stop the symptoms of Parkinson's disease from getting worse. This study is a key step towards a future where we have more effective ways to manage and treat Parkinson's.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Exeter

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jul 2022

Estimated completion

30 Jun 2026

Parkinson Disease Parkinson's Parkinson's Disease Neurodegenerative Diseases Neurodegeneration Positron Emission Tomography

What is this study about?

This study is all about getting a much clearer picture of Parkinson's disease and how it affects the brain. The researchers are particularly interested in finding something called a 'biomarker'. A biomarker is like a measurable clue in your body that can tell doctors if a disease is present, how severe it is, or how it might progress. For example, a blood test for sugar levels can be a biomarker for diabetes.

For Parkinson's, finding a biomarker is a really big deal. It could help diagnose the disease earlier, track its changes more accurately, and most importantly, it could open doors to creating new medicines. These new treatments would aim to slow down or even stop the symptoms of Parkinson's from getting worse, making a huge difference to people's lives.

To do this, the study uses special brain scans like PET scans, SPECT scans, and MRI scans. These scans allow doctors to see inside the brain without surgery and understand the tiny changes that might be happening. By carefully studying these images, the researchers hope to uncover the secrets of Parkinson's disease and pave the way for exciting new treatments.

Key takeaways

This study aims to find a measurable sign (biomarker) for Parkinson's disease.
It uses advanced brain scans like PET, SPECT, and MRI.
The goal is to help develop new medicines to slow Parkinson's symptoms.
You'll have 5 visits to London over about 3 months, each lasting around 6 hours.
Participation involves blood tests, various scans, and a small injection of a study medicine.
An optional final visit for a lumbar puncture is available.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be between 25 and 85 years old. Both men and women can take part. For women who could become pregnant, special birth control methods are required during the study and for a period afterwards to make sure it's safe.

You also need to be able to understand what the study involves and be happy to sign a consent form. It's important that you're able to come to all the appointments and follow the study instructions carefully. You'll also need to have good enough eyesight and hearing to complete some simple tests.

The researchers will also check to make sure you're generally healthy enough to take part and that there aren't any other health conditions that would make it unsafe for you. Unfortunately, anyone who can't fully understand or agree to the study plans won't be able to join.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 25 and 85 years old?
Can you travel to London for 5 study visits over 3 months?
Are you able to understand and sign the consent form?
If you could become pregnant, are you willing to use specific birth control methods?
Are you able to follow study instructions and complete simple tests?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll visit the study sites in London (Hammersmith Hospital area) a total of 5 times over about 3 months. Each visit will typically last around 6 hours.

Your first visit will be for a chat about the study, where you'll sign the consent form, and some blood samples will be taken. Your second visit will involve an MRI scan and a special PET scan using a tracer called DASB. The third visit is a bit longer, with two PET scans using a tracer called CIMBI, with a small injection of a medication called Dexamphetamine in between to see its effect. On your fourth visit, you'll have a SPECT scan. Finally, there's an optional fifth visit where you could have a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) if you agree to it.

During each visit, various assessments will be done, and you'll be guided through each step by the research team.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part could help scientists understand Parkinson's disease better and speed up the discovery of new medicines, which could one day benefit many people. You won't personally receive a direct benefit from taking part, but you'll be contributing to important medical research. There are some risks, though. These include exposure to a small amount of radiation from the PET and SPECT scans, and potential discomfort from injections, blood tests, and the optional lumbar puncture. There could also be side effects from the study medicines, like Dexamphetamine, but the team will monitor you closely. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University Of Exeter
Verified postcode
Exeter, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a 'biomarker'?

A biomarker is a measurable sign in your body that can tell doctors about a disease, like if it's there or how it's progressing. It's like a clue that helps doctors understand what's happening.

What are PET, SPECT, and MRI scans?

These are special ways to take pictures of your brain. They help doctors see inside without surgery and understand how your brain is working.

Will I get any medication in this study?

A very small amount of a medicine called Dexamphetamine will be given during one of the PET scans to see how it affects your brain, but this is part of the research, not a treatment.

How long will my visits be?

Each of the 5 visits will typically last around 6 hours. These visits will be spread out over about 3 months.

Do I have to have the lumbar puncture?

No, the fifth visit, which involves a lumbar puncture (spinal tap), is completely optional. You can choose whether or not to have it.

How to find out more

Marios Politis, Professor

m.politis@exeter.ac.uk 07503741242 Official trial record

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