Detection of Brain Metastases Using a Novel Gadolinium-Weighted MRI Sequence: A Prospective Comparison

This study will evaluate a new type of MRI sequence designed to improve the visibility of brain metastases after gadolinium contrast injection. The purpose is to determine whether this novel "gadolinium-weighted" imaging method can detect more or smaller tumors than standard MRI techniques. Participants will undergo a routine brain MRI with contrast, followed by an additional scan using the new method. The goal is to improve diagnostic accuracy without increasing the contrast dose or scan time.

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Key information

Conditions

Brain Neoplasms Brain Diseases Central Nervous System Diseases Central Nervous System Neoplasms Neoplasms Neoplasms by Site Nervous System Diseases Nervous System Neoplasms

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Karolinska University Hospital

Stockholm, Solna, 1171 76, Sweden

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Johan Lundberg, Associate professor

CONTACT

[email protected]

+46725802949

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

Age 18 years or older
Scheduled for clinical brain MRI with gadolinium contrast
Known or suspected brain metastases
Able to provide informed consent
Able to lie still for the duration of the MRI examination

Exclusion criteria

Contraindications to MRI
Known allergy or contraindication to gadolinium-based contrast agents
Renal impairment (eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73m²)
Pregnant or breastfeeding
Inability to comply with study procedures

Treatment and study plan

Novel Gadolinium-Weighted MRI Sequence

Diagnostic Test

A post-contrast MRI sequence incorporating magnetization transfer (MT) preparation and flow-nulling with motion-sensitized driven equilibrium (MSDE). The sequence is optimized to suppress background tissue and vascular signal while enhancing the visibility of gadolinium-enhancing brain metastases. It is compared to conventional T1-weighted imaging in the same exam session.

Primary outcomes

Difference in Number of Detected Gadolinium-Enhancing Brain Metastases Between the Novel Gadolinium-Weighted MRI Sequence and Conventional T1-Weighted Imaging

Time frame: At the time of gadolinium-enhanced MRI, during a single imaging session (within 1 hour of contrast administration)

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Region Stockholm

Other Gov

Registry information

Official study title

A Prospective Comparative Study of a Novel Gadolinium-Weighted MRI Sequence Versus Conventional T1-Weighted Imaging for the Detection of Brain Metastases

Acronym: GDW

Important dates

Study start: 2026
Primary completion: 2026
Study completion: 2027
First posted: Dec 9, 2025
Registry last updated: Jan 30, 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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