Characterization of Serial Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Imaging in Patients With Malignant Glioma Undergoing Radiotherapy

Malignant glioma is the most common primary brain tumor in adults. Despite aggressive therapy, less than 40% of these patients are expected to live beyond 5 years. The radiologic imaging of these tumors relies on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - these studies provide good anatomical information about the size and location of the tumor, but are unable to evaluate whether the tumor is still viable or contains metabolic activity, after surgery and, in particular, radiotherapy (RT). This complicates accurate understanding of the status of the tumor during a patient's follow-up. This study proposes to add magnetic resonance spectroscopy, a non-invasive imaging method which can monitor metabolic changes in the tumor, to regular imaging. Understanding the changes that occur in a tumor over the course of radiotherapy could help predict how well a treatment might work, and could also be useful in distinguishing a return of the tumor in an area of radiation damage before it would be obvious on regular imaging.

Sex

All

Minimum age

18 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients must be older than 18 years of age.
* Patients must have histologically proven malignant glioma of the brain.
* Patients must have bi-directionally measurable enhancing residual disease by T1 weighted image.
* Patients must be willing to undergo high dose radiotherapy to the brain for the treatment of their glial tumor.
* Patients must be willing and able to comply with all study requirements.
* The patient or legally authorized representative must fully understand all elements of informed consent, and sign the consent document.

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of previous RT to the head and neck region.
* History of lupus, scleroderma or RT hypersensitivity.
* Co-existing medical condition precluding radiotherapy.
* Psychiatric conditions precluding informed consent.
* Medical or psychiatric conditions precluding MR studies (eg. pacemaker, aneurysm clips, neuro stimulator, cochlear implant, severe claustrophobia/anxiety).