PET scans with a new tracer to find chronic inflammation in multiple sclerosis
Tests a PET scan tracer for detecting chronic inflammation in adults with multiple sclerosis.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: [18F]F-DED PET Imaging of Reactive Astrocytes in Multiple Sclerosis
Key facts
- Where
- Barcelona, SpainSee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 18 and 65 years old?
Source: NCT07805473, who can take part
Where in Spain
- Hospital del Mar Research InstituteBarcelona, SpainNo longer taking part
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Parc de Salut Mar
- Trial code
- NCT07805473EU 2026-525702-35-00
- Record updated
- 4 September 2026
- Original description
Despite significant advancements in multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment over the past decade, a specific imaging biomarker for predicting disease progression remains lacking. This project is conducted as a non-therapeutic clinical trial with an investigational medicinal product and aims to validate PET imaging with the radiotracer [18F]fluorodeprenyl-D2 ([18F]F-DED) as a diagnostic tool for detecting chronic active lesions in MS and to evaluate its potential as a predictor of disease progression. Chronic astrocyte activation plays a key role in MS pathology, yet current imaging techniques, such as MRI, have limited sensitivity in identifying chronic neuroinflammation. By leveraging PET imaging with [18F]F-DED, which specifically targets activated astrocytes, this study seeks to provide a more precise assessment of chronic inflammatory lesions in MS patients. The project will follow a cross-sectional and longitudinal design: O1) To validate the ability of [18F]F-DED PET to identify chronic active lesions by comparing PET findings with MRI markers, including paramagnetic rings (PRLs) and determine its diagnostic accuracy; O2) To explore the relationship between astrocyte-targeted PET imaging and blood-based biomarkers of astrogliosis ; O3) To assess the predictive value of PET-detected chronic inflammation in disease progression over a three-year follow-up period through regression analysis, integrating clinical parameters such as disability progression (EDSS scores), relapse rates, and MRI changes. A total of 30 MS patients will be recruited from the MS Unit of Hospital del Mar and undergo PET and MRI imaging, following a single intravenous administration of the investigational radiotracer [18F]F-DED, together with MRI imaging with advanced image fusion techniques ensuring precise lesion localization. Machine learning models will be applied to imaging and clinical data to identify biomarkers associated with MS progression. By improving diagnostic accuracy and predicting disease evolution, this clinical trial aims to enhance patient stratification and treatment personalization.Read full original descriptionShow less
[18F] Fluorodeprenyl-D2 PET Imaging of Reactive Astrocytes as Chronic Active Inflammation Marker in Multiple Sclerosis
Despite significant advancements in multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment over the past decade, a specific imaging biomarker for predicting disease progression remains lacking. This project is conducted as a non-therapeutic clinical trial with an investigational medicinal product and aims to validate PET imaging with the radiotracer [18F]fluorodeprenyl-D2 ([18F]F-DED) as a diagnostic tool for detecting chronic active lesions in MS and to evaluate its potential as a predictor of disease progression. Chronic astrocyte activation plays a key role in MS pathology, yet current imaging techniques, such as MRI, have limited sensitivity in identifying chronic neuroinflammation. By leveraging PET imaging with [18F]F-DED, which specifically targets activated astrocytes, this study seeks to provide a more precise assessment of chronic inflammatory lesions in MS patients. The project will follow a cross-sectional and longitudinal design: O1) To validate the ability of [18F]F-DED PET to identify chronic active lesions by comparing PET findings with MRI markers, including paramagnetic rings (PRLs) and determine its diagnostic accuracy; O2) To explore the relationship between astrocyte-targeted PET imaging and blood-based biomarkers of astrogliosis ; O3) To assess the predictive value of PET-detected chronic inflammation in disease progression over a three-year follow-up period through regression analysis, integrating clinical parameters such as disability progression (EDSS scores), relapse rates, and MRI changes. A total of 30 MS patients will be recruited from the MS Unit of Hospital del Mar and undergo PET and MRI imaging, following a single intravenous administration of the investigational radiotracer [18F]F-DED, together with MRI imaging with advanced image fusion techniques ensuring precise lesion localization. Machine learning models will be applied to imaging and clinical data to identify biomarkers associated with MS progression. By improving diagnostic accuracy and predicting disease evolution, this clinical trial aims to enhance patient stratification and treatment personalization.
Inclusion: Age 18-65 years; Confirmed diagnosis of multiple sclerosis according to the 2017 McDonald criteria; Ability to undergo MRI and PET imaging.