Hydrocortisone-enhanced PET Scans for Cocaine Use Disorder
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial uses a special brain scan and a stress hormone injection to study how brain receptors react in people with cocaine addiction. It aims to understand why these individuals often relapse by comparing them to healthy individuals.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
Yes, you will need to stop taking any prescription medical or psychotropic medications to participate in this trial.
Is hydrocortisone safe for use in humans?
The studies reviewed do not directly address the safety of hydrocortisone in humans for this specific treatment, but they do suggest that cortisol, a form of hydrocortisone, is involved in the body's response to cocaine. However, no specific safety concerns about hydrocortisone itself were identified in these studies.12345
How does the drug hydrocortisone differ from other treatments for cocaine use disorder?
Hydrocortisone-enhanced PET scans for cocaine use disorder are unique because they involve using hydrocortisone, a hormone that affects the stress response, to potentially alter brain activity and improve imaging results. This approach is different from standard treatments, which typically focus on behavioral therapy or medications that target neurotransmitter systems directly involved in addiction.14678
What data supports the effectiveness of the drug Hydrocortisone-enhanced PET Scans for Cocaine Use Disorder?
Who Is on the Research Team?
Rajesh Narendran, MD
Principal Investigator
University of Pittsburgh
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for men and women aged 18-55 with cocaine use disorder, without other psychiatric or addictive disorders. Participants must not be on medications, have severe illnesses, be pregnant/breastfeeding, have significant past radiation exposure, MRI-incompatible body metals, or recent abuse of various drugs including opiates and alcohol.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Imaging
Participants undergo baseline PET imaging with [11C]NOP-1A
Hydrocortisone Challenge
Participants receive an intravenous hydrocortisone challenge and undergo PET imaging to assess NOP receptor binding
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for relapse over a 12-week period
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- [C-11]NOP-1A
- Hydrocortisone
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Rajesh Narendran
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Collaborator