NCT02649985 · Brigham and Women's Hospital
PET Brain Imaging in Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer's Disease, and Other Neurological and Neuropsychiatric Diseases
(MAPET)
What this study is about
The specific aims of the study are: Primary: To determine the presence and regional distribution of microglial activation, as assessed by Fluorine-18 (18F) labeled "Peripheral Benzodiazepine Receptor 06" (PBR06) -PET, in subjects with active Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS), Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (SPMS), and Alzheimer's Disease (AD) as compared to healthy controls Secondary: 1. To assess the relationship between microglial activation and clinical variables including disease severity and comorbidities (such as pain, fatigue and/or depression), as well as clinical MRI findings (such as lesions and atrophy) 2. A pilot substudy aims to establish the non-inferiority of \[F-18\]PBR06 as compared with Carbon-11 \[C-11\] labeled "Peripheral Benzodiazepine Receptor 28" (PBR28) PET in patients with RRMS. Hypothesis: The working hypothesis is that there is microglial activation in multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease as compared to healthy controls and that the pattern/ regional distribution of microglial activation is different in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) versus AD and correlates with disease severity and comorbidities. In addition, the investigators hypothesize that \[F-18\]PBR06-PET scans will be at least as good as \[C-11\]PBR28-PET scans, the current gold standard.
View original scientific description
The specific aims of the study are: Primary: To determine the presence and regional distribution of microglial activation, as assessed by Fluorine-18 (18F) labeled "Peripheral Benzodiazepine Receptor 06" (PBR06) -PET, in subjects with active Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS), Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (SPMS), and Alzheimer's Disease (AD) as compared to healthy controls Secondary: 1. To assess the relationship between microglial activation and clinical variables including disease severity and comorbidities (such as pain, fatigue and/or depression), as well as clinical MRI findings (such as lesions and atrophy) 2. A pilot substudy aims to establish the non-inferiority of \[F-18\]PBR06 as compared with Carbon-11 \[C-11\] labeled "Peripheral Benzodiazepine Receptor 28" (PBR28) PET in patients with RRMS. Hypothesis: The working hypothesis is that there is microglial activation in multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease as compared to healthy controls and that the pattern/ regional distribution of microglial activation is different in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) versus AD and correlates with disease severity and comorbidities. In addition, the investigators hypothesize that \[F-18\]PBR06-PET scans will be at least as good as \[C-11\]PBR28-PET scans, the current gold standard.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Male and female subjects age 18 to 70 years. For Alzheimer's Disease patients and healthy controls, the age range is going to be 18 to 85 years. This is because Alzheimer's disease subjects are usually older and it'd be difficult to recruit Alzheimer's patients who are younger than 70 years. Multiple Sclerosis, on the other hand, is a disease of a younger population.
- For RRMS, it needs to be active, which is defined as at least one relapse in the past 12 months, at least one gadolinium enhancing lesion on MRI within 12 months of enrollment or at least one new FLAIR bright lesion on MRI within 6 months of enrollment.
- For SPMS, deterioration in EDSS score in the last year is required.
- For the subjects in the Ocrelizumab arm, only the subjects who have already been prescribed Ocrelizumab by their treating MS neurologist but have not yet started the first infusion, will be included.
- For the Foralumab arm, patients enrolled in approved IRB protocols (2021P000105, 2022P000005, 2022P001075) will be enrolled.
- For the steroids arm, only subjects who have already been prescribed steroids by their treating MS neurologist, but have not yet initiated treatment, will be included.
- AD subjects with MMSE score of 20-26.
- Subjects willing to undergo PET and MRI imaging
- Subjects willing and able to give informed consent
Exclusion criteria
- Individuals with a known alternate neurologic disorder, previous head injury, or substance abuse.
- Individuals with bipolar disease and schizophrenia
- Concurrent medical conditions that contraindicate study procedures.
- Women who are pregnant or nursing. Also, any woman who is seeking to become pregnant or suspects she is pregnant will be excluded from enrollment.
- Claustrophobia
- Non-MRI compatible implanted devices
- For the Ocrelizumab arm, subjects already on Ocrelizumab will be excluded. 8. For the steroids arm, subjects who have already started steroid treatment will be excluded. 9\. For the Ocrelizumab arm, steroids arm, and longitudinal arm, subjects with abnormal serum creatinine will be excluded.
Where
- Boston, Massachusetts
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jan 28, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations