UCSF recruiting for prostate MRSI Phase 1 clinical trial

[Guest guest]

The University of California San Francisco is recruiting for a Phase 1 trial to test a new contrast agent for MRI scans of the prostate.

The purpose is to determine the safety and metabolic processing of hyperpolarized pyruvate as an intravenous contrast agent to improve the resolution of MRIS (MRI with spectroscopy) scans. Although MRSI scans have proven to be effective in imaging larger and more aggressive prostate cancers, they have limitations in accurate imaging of early small-volume (less than 0.5 cc) and low-aggression (Gleason sums 6-7) prostate cancers. Preliminary mouse studies indicate that intravenous injection of pyruvate, a natural end product of cell glycolysis, is differentially processed in normal cancerous prostate tissue, significantly increasing the ability of MRI images to identify smaller, less aggressive tumors. See:http://www.imagingeconomics.com/issues/articles/MI_2008-09_01.asp

The UCSF study is looking for men who: o have biopsy-proven prostate cancers and a previous endorectal MRSI scan at UCSF o have had no treatment (including no use of avodart or proscar)

The study protocol includes: Day 1- medical exam and blood tests at UCSF Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center Day 2- baseline endorectal MRSI scan at UCSF China Basin facility Between Day 8 and Day 28: MRSI scan using an intravenous injection of hyperpolarized pyruvate Next Day- follow-up medical exam at Helen Diller Center 7 days later- short follow-up medical consult at Helen Diller Center

UCSF pays for the MRSI scans and medical tests, as well as lodging for the night between the second scan and next-day tests.UCSF will not provide compensation for travel to San Francisco.

Details of the trial can be found at: http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01229618?term=nct01229618 & rank=1

For more information, contact Soto, Sotto Prostate Group Program Manager, Department of Radiology, UCSF Center for Molecular & Functional Imaging Phone: Fax: Website: http://radiology.ucsf.edu/prostate

I am participating in the trial and can provide a patient's perspective.

The Best to You and Yours!Jon in Nevada