Back to search results

Imaging Biomarkers in ALS and PLS

This study aims to find indicators (biomarkers) for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS) using special MRI scans. Researchers will use two types of MRI scans (3T and 7T) to see if they can identify characteristics that help us better understand these diseases and potentially lead to improved treatments. You may be able to join if you are between 21 and 75 years old and have a diagnosis of ALS or PLS. The study will also include healthy volunteers. Success will be measured by identifying these imaging biomarkers at 12 months.

Study design
This is an observational study, meaning participants will be monitored without receiving a specific intervention. It plans to enroll 30 participants, including those with ALS, PLS, and healthy controls.
What's involved
Not specified in the trial record.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The primary goal is to measure imaging biomarkers at 12 months.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT02567136

Imaging Biomarkers in ALS

Recruiting
Not specifiedAges 21–75Observational
University of Minnesota
~30 participants
Updated 2025-12-02 on ClinicalTrials.gov

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Imaging biomarkers
Measured over 12 months

Conditions

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Primary Lateral Sclerosis

Explore related trials

Amyotrophic Lateral SclerosisPrimary Lateral Sclerosis

NCT02567136

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • University of Minnesota

    Minneapolis, Minnesotastudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

Study leadership

  • David Walk, MD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of Minnesota

Who to contact

Valerie Ferment
[email protected]
6123011535
Email the study team

Opens a ready-to-send draft in your own email app — review before sending.

Want this trial checked against your situation?

Add a private profile and we'll compare every criterion below against your situation — and tell you which ones are met, uncertain, or excluding.

Check eligibility for this trial ~2 min · HIPAA-protected · delete anytime
Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

21 to 75 years of age inclusive.
Willing and able to give signed informed consent that has been approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB).
A clinical diagnosis of possible, laboratory-supported probable, probable, or definite ALS, according to a modified El Escorial criteria.

Exclusion

Diagnosis of other neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson disease, Alzheimer disease, etc).
Clinically significant history of unstable medical illness (unstable angina, advanced cancer, etc) over the last 30 days.
Inability to undergo MRI scanning, including but not limited to unable to remain still in an MRI scanner for more than 30 minutes, claustrophobia, presence of paramagnetic substances or pacemakers in body, weight over 300 lbs, or in the opinion of the investigator, if there is a strong likelihood that the subject would not be able to lie flat comfortably for 75-90 minutes.
The subject requires assistance to ambulate OR climb stairs, unless in the opinion of the investigator, and based upon the subject's rate of disease progression, the subject is likely to be able to participate in the MRI screening 12 months after enrollment.

What this trial measures

  • Imaging biomarkers12 months

    Comparison of neurochemical concentrations and Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) parameters between ALS subjects and age-matched normal subjects.