Muscle MRI

A longitudinal study using muscle MRI in ALS

UK Chief Investigator

Dr Oliver Ziff

Research summary

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurological disease that affects the nerves controlling muscles, leading to severe muscle weakness and impacting essential functions like movement, speech, swallowing, and breathing. Despite extensive research, there is currently no reliable method for monitoring the progression of ALS, which limits the development of effective treatments.

Purpose of the Project: Our study aims to enhance the monitoring of ALS using whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This safe and painless imaging technique provides detailed images of muscles throughout the body. By utilising whole-body muscle MRI, we hope to establish a biomarker that accurately reflects the rate of ALS progression, allowing for better monitoring over time and improved assessment of new treatments in clinical trials.

What We Will Do: We will conduct MRI scans on 50 individuals diagnosed with ALS and compare these to scans from 25 individuals with other neuromuscular diseases and 25 healthy participants. Each participant will undergo three MRI scans within the first six months, with additional annual scans for up to 5 years. Alongside the MRI, we will gather information about muscle strength, breathing function, blood tests, and nerve conduction studies.

Why This Is Important: Current tracking methods for ALS can be inconsistent and may miss subtle changes. Whole-body muscle MRI presents a promising approach to accurately observe the impact of ALS across different muscle groups, leading to better monitoring and more effective clinical trials.

How It Will Benefit Patients: This research could significantly improve the way ALS is monitored in clinical settings, enabling earlier identification of effective treatments. Enhanced monitoring may allow for timely intervention, ultimately improving care quality for patients and their families regarding disease management.

Current status

Active – open to recruitment

Key dates

Recruitment opening date: March 2026

Planned recruitment end date: 31st December 2026

Recruitment groups

Patients with MND
Patients with other neuromuscular diseases
Healthy volunteers

Recruitment target

100 participants

Click here to see how many participants have been recruited into this study to date (external link to the NIHR public study search)

Location

London - University College London Hospital, PI: Dr Oliver Ziff

Contact details

Email Oliver Ziff, Chief Investigator: o.ziff@ucl.ac.uk

Inclusion / exclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria

ALS Participants:

Individuals must have a confirmed diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) according to the revised El Escorial criteria.

Neuromuscular Disease Participants:

Individuals diagnosed with other specific neuromuscular diseases, including Kennedy's disease (Spinal Bulbar Muscular Atrophy) and pre-symptomatic ALS mutation carriers.

Healthy Controls:

Individuals with no history of neuromuscular diseases and who are in good health.

Exclusion criteria

Participants must be aged between 18 and 90 years.
Participants must have the capacity to understand the study procedures and provide informed consent. This includes the ability to comprehend the nature of the study, its potential risks, and benefits, and to communicate a decision to participate.
Participants must be willing and able to comply with the study requirements, including attending scheduled MRI scans and clinical assessments, providing blood samples, and undergoing neurophysiological evaluations over the study period.
Individuals with severe comorbid conditions that could interfere with study participation or the interpretation of results (e.g., severe cardiac, respiratory, or renal diseases) are excluded. This criterion ensures participant safety and data integrity.
Participants must be free of contraindications for MRI scanning, such as having metallic implants (e.g., pacemakers, certain types of aneurysm clips) or other conditions that could pose risks during MRI procedures.

Funder

Target ALS Foundation

Sponsor

University College London

Study design

Observational

The Participant Information Sheet is available to view here:

Participant Information Sheet

Page updated

Report abuse