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NCT Number: NCT05957679

MRE Evaluation for Spinal Cord Tumor Surgery: Stiffness and Adhesion Assessment

In spinal cord tumors requiring surgical intervention, the resection difficulty is determined by two significant factors: tumor stiffness and adhesion to surrounding tissue.

The stiffness of the tumor dictates the complexity of removal, while strong adhesion presents additional challenges during the surgical procedure.

This clinical trial aims to assess the clinical utility of magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), in evaluating the stiffness and adhesion of spinal cord tumors and guiding surgical planning to selecting the most appropriate surgical approach for patients with spinal cord tumors.

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Key information

Conditions

Spinal Cord Tumors Astrocytoma Central Nervous System Diseases Central Nervous System Neoplasms Ependymoma Glioblastoma Glioma Meningeal Neoplasms Meningioma Neoplasms Neoplasms by Histologic Type Neoplasms by Site Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial Neoplasms, Nerve Tissue Neoplasms, Neuroepithelial Neoplasms, Vascular Tissue Nerve Sheath Neoplasms Nervous System Diseases Nervous System Neoplasms Neuroectodermal Tumors Neurofibroma Neuromuscular Diseases Peripheral Nervous System Diseases Peripheral Nervous System Neoplasms Spinal Cord Diseases Spinal Cord Neoplasms

Age range

18 year–80 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

About this study

Spinal cord tumors are a common condition in neurosurgery, including neurofibroma, spinal meningioma, ependymoma, glioma, spinal lipoma, and so on.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a crucial role in the preoperative evaluation and planning of spinal cord tumor surgery. It provides detailed information about the tumor's location, size, and relationship to adjacent structures.

However, routine MRI may not always provide sufficient information about the tumor's stiffness or adhesion, which can impact surgical planning and postoperative outcomes. Magnetic resonance elastography and slip interface imaging can help measure the mechanical properties of tissues, including their stiffness or adhesion.

By combining the above methods, surgeons can identify areas of potential tumor adherence or invasion into surrounding structures, allowing for more precise surgical resection and minimizing the risk of damage to critical neural tissue.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • All patients undergoing spinal cord tumor 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 cannot 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

Undergo MRE and routine MRI

Other names: MRE

Assessment and Recording

Procedure

Undergo grading and recording of tumor stiffness and adhesion during surgery

Primary outcomes

  1. Surgical assessment of tumor stiffness

    Time frame: Baseline to 6 weeks

    The surgeon will score the tumor stiffness in seven aspects, ranging from 1 to 5 points: Tumor size; Shape of tumor; Tumor texture; Stiffness of the tumor's capsule; Stiffness of the tumor's central region; Primary methods of tumor removal; Features of tumor's capsule.

  2. Surgical assessment of tumor adhesion

    Time frame: Baseline to 6 weeks

    The surgeon will score the tumor's adhesion based on seven aspects, ranging from 1 to 4 points: Stripping instruments; Frequency of use of sharp instruments; Adhesion range; Degree of tumor resection; Cranial nerve anatomy preservation; Brain tissue anatomy preservation; Neurological function (compared with preoperative).

Study contacts

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

Wen Cheng, MD

CONTACT

[email protected]

+86 150 4023 5535

Yu Shi, MD

CONTACT

[email protected]

+86 189 4025 9980

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Shengjing Hospital

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Preoperative Evaluation of Tumor Stiffness and Adhesion in Spinal Cord Tumor Using Magnetic Resonance Elastography

Important dates

Study start
2023
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2027
First posted
Jul 24, 2023
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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