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NCT Number: NCT06955208

3D MRE-Based Evaluation of Meningioma Mechanical Properties and Histological Features

This prospective single-center study aims to evaluate the feasibility and clinical utility of three-dimensional magnetic resonance elastography (3D MRE) in assessing tumor stiffness and adhesion in patients with meningioma undergoing surgical resection. By correlating preoperative MRE-derived stiffness and adhesion maps with intraoperative findings and histopathological features, the study seeks to determine whether MRE can serve as a noninvasive imaging biomarker for surgical planning, risk stratification, and prediction of tumor behavior.

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Key information

Conditions

Meningioma Central Nervous System Neoplasms Cicatrix Fibrosis Meningeal Neoplasms Neoplasms Neoplasms by Histologic Type Neoplasms by Site Neoplasms, Nerve Tissue Neoplasms, Vascular Tissue Nervous System Diseases Nervous System Neoplasms Pathologic Processes Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Tissue Adhesions

Age range

18 year–80 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

About this study

Meningiomas are the most common primary intracranial tumors and are often surgically resectable. However, the intraoperative texture and adhesion of the tumor to surrounding structures vary widely and directly impact the surgical approach, difficulty, and outcomes. Current preoperative imaging lacks the ability to quantitatively assess biomechanical properties such as stiffness and adhesion, which are critical for neurosurgical planning.

This prospective clinical trial investigates the application of 3D magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) in characterizing the biomechanical properties of meningiomas. Specifically, it aims to quantify tumor stiffness and adhesion using MRE-derived shear modulus maps and correlate these measurements with intraoperative surgeon-assessed stiffness/adhesion scores and postoperative histopathology. The study will also assess the diagnostic performance of MRE in predicting challenging resections, high tumor adhesion, and histological subtypes.

Approximately 300 patients with radiologically confirmed meningioma scheduled for elective resection will be enrolled. Participants will undergo standard MRI and additional 3D MRE scanning. Intraoperative findings including tumor stiffness, adhesion, blood supply, and resection difficulty will be systematically recorded. Postoperative pathological analysis will include tumor grade and histological subtype. Statistical analyses will evaluate correlations, diagnostic accuracy, and potential prognostic value.

Findings from this study may support the use of 3D MRE as a valuable noninvasive tool in preoperative assessment of meningiomas, helping optimize surgical strategies, reduce complications, and inform treatment decisions.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • All patients undergoing meningeoma resection surgery are eligible for inclusion in the study cohort.

Exclusion criteria

  • Patients with metallic implants or foreign bodies in their bodies (pacemakers, artificial metallic heart valves, metal joints, metal implants, and those who can not remove dentures, insulin pumps, or contraceptive rings)
  • Pregnant women in the first trimester (within three months)
  • Patients with severe claustrophobia or anxiety
  • Patients with severe fever
  • Patients who can not tolerate MRE
  • Patients with vascular malformations and aneurysms.
  • Patients who do not sign an informed consent

Treatment and study plan

Magnetic Resonance Elastography

Diagnostic Test

Participants will undergo preoperative 3D MRE to quantify tumor stiffness and generate adhesion maps. MRE is performed as an adjunct to standard brain MRI, using 60 Hz vibration frequency and specialized elastogram processing software. The resulting stiffness and adhesion data are made available to the neurosurgical team for surgical planning.

Other names: MRE

Intraoperative Assessment and Recording

Procedure

During surgical resection, the neurosurgical team will systematically assess and record tumor stiffness, adhesion to surrounding structures, vascularity, resection time, and technical difficulty using a standardized intraoperative scale. These intraoperative findings will be compared to preoperative MRE parameters to evaluate the diagnostic and predictive value of MRE.

Primary outcomes

  1. Agreement Between MRE Stiffness and Intraoperative Tumor Consistency

    Time frame: Intraoperative (Day of Surgery)

    The primary outcome is the correlation between preoperative 3D MRE-derived shear stiffness values and intraoperative tumor consistency as assessed by the neurosurgeon using a standardized ordinal scale (1-5). Agreement will be evaluated using Spearman correlation and Bland-Altman analysis.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Wen Cheng, MD

CONTACT

[email protected]

15040235535

Yu Shi, MD

CONTACT

[email protected]

+86 189 4025 9980

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Shengjing Hospital

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Evaluation of Meningioma Mechanical Properties and Histological Features Using Three-Dimensional Magnetic Resonance Elastography

Important dates

Study start
2022
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2027
First posted
May 2, 2025
Registry last updated
Feb 12, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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