Mr Bubbles
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Pilot study on use of Sulphur hexafluoride Microbubbles (SonoVue®) as a Magnetic Resonance Imaging contrast agent in the imaging of brain tumours.
IRAS ID
116146
Contact name
Shivaram Avula
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust
Eudract number
2013-000630-35
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are useful in providing a detailed picture of the brain. They tell us if a tumour is present, where it is located and how big it is. In order to study the blood supply to the tumour, patients undergoing MRI scans usually receive an injection of gadolinium, an MRI contrast agent during the procedure. This is a pharmaceutical agent that helps to distinguish normal from abnormal tissue. Certain advanced MRI techniques known as perfusion imaging, performed during injection of the contrast agent, can give us more information on the type of tumour and the blood supply to the tumour. There are, however,important limitations
in using MRI contrast agents. These agents cannot be used in individuals with poorly functioning kidneys and there are difficulties in obtaining accurate measurements of blood supply to the tumour. The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of SonoVue® (an agent consisting of inert gas-filled bubbles uses in ultrasound scan imaging) in MRI of patients with brain tumours. SonoVue® is licensed as an ultrasound contrast agent used in adults for a number of reasons including evaluation of blood vessels in the brain. It has less toxic effects than MRI contrast agents and has a potential to provide more accurate information on the blood supply to the tumours.
During an 18 month period, we aim to evaluate 30 adults and 30 children with a known brain tumour undergoing routine MRI scans at Alder Hey children’s hospital, Liverpool and at the Walton Centre for Neurosurgery, Liverpool. The participants will receive an injection of SonoVue® in addition to the standard MRI contrast agent and additional images will be obtained to evaluate the appearances of the tumour with SonoVue®. This will add an additional 10-15 minutes to the entire duration of the scan.REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/NW/0392
Date of REC Opinion
8 Jul 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion