Diagnostic Imaging for Tauopathies
Trial Summary
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial protocol does not specify whether participants must stop taking their current medications. It is best to discuss this with the study team or your doctor.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Amyloid PET scan for diagnosing tauopathies?
Amyloid PET scans are effective in identifying amyloid-positive patients, which is useful for early-stage Alzheimer's disease diagnosis and clinical trial enrollment. This imaging technique helps in detecting early cerebral amyloidosis, a key feature of Alzheimer's, and can improve diagnostic confidence and patient management.12345
Is diagnostic imaging for tauopathies, like Amyloid PET scans and Brain MRI, safe for humans?
Amyloid PET imaging, used to detect amyloid-beta in the brain, has been approved by the FDA since 2012 and is considered a non-invasive and safe technique for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease and other conditions. It is widely used in clinical practice and research, with no significant safety concerns reported in the studies reviewed.12678
How is the diagnostic imaging treatment for tauopathies different from other treatments?
The diagnostic imaging treatment for tauopathies is unique because it uses advanced imaging techniques like PET scans to visualize tau deposits in the brain, which helps in early and accurate diagnosis. Unlike traditional treatments that focus on managing symptoms, this approach aids in identifying the specific type of neurodegenerative disease, potentially leading to more targeted interventions.19101112
What is the purpose of this trial?
This current protocol will provide the key data to help determine the specificity of our to-be-developed radiotracers by implementing a multi-site diagnostic assessment core and PET imaging of A-beta amyloid (may be completed at some sites as part of another protocol) that is commonly deposited in the brains of people with Parkinson's Disease (PD), Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) or Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) as well as healthy controls. This multicenter U19 grant is centered at U Pennsylvania (U Penn) (PI: Robert Mach) in collaboration with U Pittsburgh (Pitt), Yale University, U of California at San Francisco (UCSF) and Washington University in St. Louis (WU). U Penn will act as the single IRB of Record (sIRB) for this multi-center project and subjects will be recruited from all sites.
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for adults aged 40-85 with Parkinson's Disease, Multiple System Atrophy, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Frontotemporal Dementia or healthy controls. They must understand the study and consent to participate. Pregnant women and those with major psychiatric disorders or substance abuse issues are excluded.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Diagnostic Assessment
Subjects may receive a brain MRI and neurological exam with diagnostic assessments
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after diagnostic assessments
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Amyloid PET scan
- Brain MRI Scan
- Neurologic exam
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Pennsylvania
Lead Sponsor