Investigating the role of functional imaging on testicular function
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating the role of functional imaging on testicular function
IRAS ID
292772
Contact name
Channa Jayasena
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
In 50% of couples with infertility, poor semen quality is the underlying cause (male infertility). 10% of those have absent sperm in the ejaculate (non obstructive azoospermia-NOA). Hypogonadism, a state of low testosterone hormone level and /or reduced fertility is encountered frequently in men with infertility. Mainstay of treatment includes testosterone replacement therapy. However, it does not restore fertility and more sophisticated treatments are required when patients pursue fertility. Human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) hormone is one of them. It works by stimulating the testes to produce testosterone and increases testicular function.
Currently, evaluation of sex hormones and microscopic semen analysis are the only available tests within the NHS to measure fertility in men. The latter is only performed in a small number of regional centres due to the expertise required; furthermore, many men are unable to produce a semen sample in hospital due to embarrassment, religious or cultural inhibitions. It is therefore important to develop additional tools to investigate male reproductive function. The study will evaluate the role of a technologically advanced ultrasound scan with high frequency probe and contrast enhancement in assessing the testicular function. Contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) uses microbubble agents to visualise the microvascular (small vessels) structure and flow deep in the body providing much more detailed images.
The study will consist of three parts and will be conducted at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.
Part 1: We will study if CEUS is able to detect differences in testicular function between healthy men and men with hypogonadism.
Part 2: We will study if CEUS is able to detect the increases in testicular function achieved during hCG therapy and compare with men on Testosterone therapy which does not stimulate testicular function.
Part 3: We will study if CEUS can identify areas of spermatogenesis in NOA patients.REC name
London - West London & GTAC Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/PR/0717
Date of REC Opinion
17 Aug 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion