Positron Emission Tomography (PET)… for Parkinson's (NCT05518617)
Find sign to slow progression
- Trial ID
- NCT05518617
- Official Title
- Molecular and Functional Imaging of Parkinson's Pathology in SNCA, Parkin and PINK1 Mutation Carriers
- Goal
- Find sign to slow progression
- Status
- RECRUITING
- Sponsor
- University of Exeter
- Study Type
- OBSERVATIONAL
- Enrollment
- 45 participants
- Conditions
- Parkinson Disease, Nervous System Disorder, Neurodegenerative Diseases, Neurodegenerative Disease, Hereditary, Parkinson's
- Interventions
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan using DASB tracer
Summary For Families
The goal is to find a measurable sign, called a biomarker, that shows the presence and progression of Parkinson's disease so researchers can better understand brain changes and help develop medicines to slow symptom progression. The approach uses detailed brain imaging, including Positron Emission Tomography with the DASB tracer, Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging, along with blood samples and an optional spinal tap; these are collected across four visits over three months, each visit lasting about six hours, so scans and samples can be compared for reliable markers. The study is enrolling adults aged 25 to 80, including people with Parkinson's and people who carry certain Parkinson's-related gene mutations such as SNCA, Parkin, and PINK1, who can travel to the site, avoid specific medications before scans, and meet safety rules like being able to have an MRI and not taking blood thinners if they opt for the spinal tap.
Locations
- University Of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is this trial testing?
- This trial is studying Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan using DASB tracer. The goal is to find a measurable sign, called a biomarker, that shows the presence and progression of Parkinson's disease so researchers can better understand brain changes and help develop medicines to slow symptom progression. The approach uses detailed brain imaging, including Positron Emission Tomography with the DASB tracer, Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging, along with blood samples and an optional spinal tap; these are collected across four visits over three months, each visit lasting about six hours, so scans and samples can be compared for reliable markers. The study is enrolling adults aged 25 to 80, including people with Parkinson's and people who carry certain Parkinson's-related gene mutations such as SNCA, Parkin, and PINK1, who can travel to the site, avoid specific medications before scans, and meet safety rules like being able to have an MRI and not taking blood thinners if they opt for the spinal tap.
- Who can participate?
- Participants must be between 25 Years and 80 Years.
- Where is this trial located?
- This trial is recruiting at 1 location.
- Does it cost anything to join?
- You are never charged a fee to join a legitimate clinical trial, and the study treatment and study-specific tests are provided by the trial sponsor at no charge. In the US, routine care you would receive anyway can still be billed to you or your insurance; coverage rules differ by country, and trials in the UK and Canada usually run through public health systems. Travel, parking, and time are real costs, and some trials reimburse them while others do not. Before enrolling, ask the study coordinator to explain in writing what is and is not covered.
- How long does the trial last?
- This trial is estimated to last approximately 4 years.
- Can I leave the trial if I change my mind?
- Yes. You can withdraw from any clinical trial at any time, for any reason, without affecting your standard medical care. Trials are voluntary by law. The team may ask if you are willing to do a brief exit visit so they can collect safety information, but you are not obligated.
- Can my spouse or care partner come with me to visits?
- In most cases yes, and it is often encouraged. Care partners can help with notes, questions, and getting home safely after a long visit. Some study assessments do need to happen one on one, but care partners are usually welcome for the rest of the appointment.
- Will I get a placebo in this trial?
- This is an observational study, so there is no placebo and no experimental treatment is assigned. Researchers observe and collect information while you continue your usual care.
- How many visits does this trial involve?
- Participants will attend 4 visits over a 3 month period.
- What procedures are involved in this trial?
- Based on the protocol, this trial involves: Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) (invasive); PET scan (minimally invasive); Blood draw (minimally invasive); MRI scan (non-invasive); Thinking & memory tests (non-invasive). Confirm the full schedule with the study coordinator.