MRI Clinical Trials 2023

What Are MRI Clinical Trials?

MRI clinical trials are research studies that test how well new medical approaches work in people. MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, is a scan that uses strong magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images of the body's insides.

Researchers use MRI scans to look for changes in the brain or other organs that may be caused by disease. Common medical conditions found on an MRI include tumors or brain disorders.

MRI clinical trials have become more common in the past two decades because of testing new technology. Results from improvements include faster imaging, cardiac imaging, and new MRI machines.

Why Are MRI Scans Being Studied in Clinical Trials?

MRI scans are used in clinical trials because they can provide detailed information about the body without using X-rays or other types of radiation. MRI scans are painless and safe and do not expose the participant to radiation.

MRI scans can look at the brain, spine, heart, blood vessels, and other organs. MRI scans can also look at the body's soft tissues, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. MRI scans to detect and diagnose many conditions, including cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders.

How Do MRI Scans Work?

MRI scans use a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of the body. MRI machines are large, tube-shaped machines. The person being scanned lies on a table that slides into the MRI machine.

During the MRI scan, the person may be asked to hold their breath for short periods. MRI scans should not take more than an hour. However, some MRI scans can take up to two hours if it includes a full body scan.

After the scan, the MRI machine will produce images of the inside of the body. A radiologist will interpret the MRI images and send a report to the person's doctor.

What Are Some Breakthrough Clinical Trials Involving MRIs?

Some recent MRI clinical trials have used MRI scans to detect and diagnose Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's. MRI scans may also be used to screen for breast cancer and other types of cancer.

Additionally, the FDA has approved a new MRI scanner called the 0.55T MAGNETOM Free.Max. Improvements include a larger opening, a weaker magnetic field with clear images that can also accurately scan implants. These improvements to the new MRI wouldn't have been possible if not for MRI clinical trials.

Who Are The Key Opinion Leaders On MRI Clinical Trial Research?

Professor Thomas Link, Ph. D. from UCLA, is Chief of the Musculoskeletal Imaging Section and Clinical Director of Musculoskeletal and Quantitative Imaging Research. He is in charge of translational research and an MQIR research program. The program focuses on imaging of osteoporosis, new imaging techniques, application, and cartilage and prevention.

Professor Martha Shenton, Ph.D. from Harvard University, is a world-renowned MRI scientist in charge of the research program for new imaging techniques for schizophrenia. The program focuses on finding abnormalities in the temporal lobe of schizophrenia patients.