Pediatric Brain TumorsNCT07427316
Role of Arterial Spin Labelling Magnetic Resonance Prefusion in Grading of Pediatric Brain Tumors
An observational study of Pediatric Brain Tumors, run by Assiut University.
Trial summary
To evaluate the diagnostic performance of arterial spin labelling (ASL) magnetic resonance perfusion in preoperative grading of pediatric brain tumors. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 0 to 18 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Pediatric Brain Tumors
- How many people
- 20 participants
- Where
- No sites listed yet
- Study dates
- Mar 2026to Apr 2028
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 0 to 18 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Child, Adult
Study population: pediatric patients with radiological diagnosis of brain tumors
Who may be able to join
- Pediatric patients aged 18 years or younger.
- Patients with radiological diagnosis of intracranial brain tumors.
Who cannot join
- Patients who have received prior surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy for brain tumors.
- Patients with contraindications to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination.
Trial locations and contacts
No sites are listed yet. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
About this study
Official title: Role of Arterial Spin Labelling Magnetic Resonance Perfusion in The Grading of Pediatric Brain Tumors
To evaluate the diagnostic performance of arterial spin labelling (ASL) magnetic resonance perfusion in preoperative grading of pediatric brain tumors.
Read the detailed description
Pediatric brain tumors are one of the most common malignancies in children and represent a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. Accurate preoperative tumor grading plays a pivotal role in determining treatment strategies, surgical planning, prognosis and long-term follow-up. Histopathological grading remains the reference standard; however, non-invasive imaging capable of predicting tumor grade preoperatively are increasingly sought to optimize patient management.
Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides excellent anatomical resolution and lesion localization; nevertheless, substantial overlap persists in morphological imaging features between low-grade and high-grade pediatric brain tumors. In children, contrast enhancement does not correlate with tumor grade, unlike the way it does in adults. Diffusion parameters overlap between benign and aggressive lesions as well, limiting the accuracy of conventional MRI in reliable tumor grading when used alone.
Advanced MRI techniques, particularly perfusion imaging, have emerged as valuable adjuncts for tumor characterization by evaluating tumor vascularity and microcirculation. Arterial spin labelling (ASL) is a non-contrast perfusion MRI technique that quantifies cerebral blood flow (CBF) using magnetically labeled arterial blood water as an endogenous tracer. This technique is especially advantageous in the pediatric population, as it eliminates exposure to gadolinium-based contrast agents and avoids ionizing radiation, aligning with current safety recommendations in children.
High-grade pediatric brain tumors typically demonstrate increased angiogenesis, microvascular proliferation and elevated perfusion compared with low-grade tumors. Recent studies have shown that ASL-derived perfusion parameters correlate with tumor grade and histopathological aggressiveness in pediatric brain tumors.
Despite growing evidence supporting its diagnostic value, arterial spin labelling (ASL) remains underutilized in routine clinical practice for pediatric brain tumor grading. Further prospective studies are required to validate its diagnostic performance and establish its role as a reliable non-invasive imaging biomarker.
- Conditions
- Pediatric Brain Tumors
- Keywords
- ASL MRI, arterial spin labelling, magnetic resonance perfusion
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| low grade pediatric brain tumors | Not described | |
| high grade pediatric brain tumors | Not described |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Evaluate the diagnostic value of arterial spin labelling (ASL) magnetic resonance perfusion in pre-operative grading of pediatric brain tumors
arterial spin labelling (ASL) derived cerebral blood flow values and their correlation with histopathological tumor grade (low grade versus high grade pediatric brain tumor)
Measured: preoperative
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted23 Feb 2026
- Study startMar 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completionMar 2028 (estimated)
- Study completionApr 2028 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (5)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Pediatric Brain TumorsStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Assiut UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Enrolment
- 20 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Assiut University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Monica Sobhy Khalaf Boles, Assiut University
- Investigators
- Mostafa Elsharkawy, Professor, Study chair, Assiut university hospitalsRadwa Kamel, associate professor, Study director, Assiut university hospitalsHamdy Ibrahim, Study director, Assiut university hospitals
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07427316
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- ASLMRI
- Status last verified
- Feb 2026
- First submitted
- 17 Feb 2026
- Last updated
- 23 Feb 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Publications
Kong L, Chen H, Yang Y, Chen L. A meta-analysis of arterial spin labelling perfusion values for the prediction of glioma grade. Clin Radiol. 2017 Mar;72(3):255-261. doi: 10.1016/j.crad.2016.10.016. Epub 2016 Dec 6.
PubMed 27932251Morana G, Tortora D, Stagliano S, Nozza P, Mascelli S, Severino M, Piatelli G, Consales A, Lequin M, Garre ML, Rossi A. Pediatric astrocytic tumor grading: comparison between arterial spin labeling and dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI perfusion. Neuroradiology. 2018 Apr;60(4):437-446. doi: 10.1007/s00234-018-1992-6. Epub 2018 Feb 16.
PubMed 29453753Dangouloff-Ros V, Deroulers C, Foissac F, Badoual M, Shotar E, Grevent D, Calmon R, Pages M, Grill J, Dufour C, Blauwblomme T, Puget S, Zerah M, Sainte-Rose C, Brunelle F, Varlet P, Boddaert N. Arterial Spin Labeling to Predict Brain Tumor Grading in Children: Correlations between Histopathologic Vascular Density and Perfusion MR Imaging. Radiology. 2016 Nov;281(2):553-566. doi: 10.1148/radiol.2016152228. Epub 2016 Jun 3.
PubMed 27257950Furtner J, Schopf V, Schewzow K, Kasprian G, Weber M, Woitek R, Asenbaum U, Preusser M, Marosi C, Hainfellner JA, Widhalm G, Wolfsberger S, Prayer D. Arterial spin-labeling assessment of normalized vascular intratumoral signal intensity as a predictor of histologic grade of astrocytic neoplasms. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2014 Mar;35(3):482-9. doi: 10.3174/ajnr.A3705. Epub 2013 Aug 14.
PubMed 23945226Yeom KW, Mitchell LA, Lober RM, Barnes PD, Vogel H, Fisher PG, Edwards MS. Arterial spin-labeled perfusion of pediatric brain tumors. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2014 Feb;35(2):395-401. doi: 10.3174/ajnr.A3670. Epub 2013 Aug 1.
PubMed 23907239
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 23 Feb 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Role of Arterial Spin Labelling Magnetic Resonance Perfusion in The Grading of Pediatric Brain Tumors
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07427316
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- ASLMRI
- Conditions
- Pediatric Brain Tumors
- Keywords
- ASL MRI, arterial spin labelling, magnetic resonance perfusion
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 20 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Assiut UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- Mar 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- Mar 2028 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Apr 2028 (estimated)
- First posted
- 23 Feb 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
To evaluate the diagnostic performance of arterial spin labelling (ASL) magnetic resonance perfusion in preoperative grading of pediatric brain tumors.
Detailed description
Pediatric brain tumors are one of the most common malignancies in children and represent a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. Accurate preoperative tumor grading plays a pivotal role in determining treatment strategies, surgical planning, prognosis and long-term follow-up. Histopathological grading remains the reference standard; however, non-invasive imaging capable of predicting tumor grade preoperatively are increasingly sought to optimize patient management.
Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides excellent anatomical resolution and lesion localization; nevertheless, substantial overlap persists in morphological imaging features between low-grade and high-grade pediatric brain tumors. In children, contrast enhancement does not correlate with tumor grade, unlike the way it does in adults. Diffusion parameters overlap between benign and aggressive lesions as well, limiting the accuracy of conventional MRI in reliable tumor grading when used alone.
Advanced MRI techniques, particularly perfusion imaging, have emerged as valuable adjuncts for tumor characterization by evaluating tumor vascularity and microcirculation. Arterial spin labelling (ASL) is a non-contrast perfusion MRI technique that quantifies cerebral blood flow (CBF) using magnetically labeled arterial blood water as an endogenous tracer. This technique is especially advantageous in the pediatric population, as it eliminates exposure to gadolinium-based contrast agents and avoids ionizing radiation, aligning with current safety recommendations in children.
High-grade pediatric brain tumors typically demonstrate increased angiogenesis, microvascular proliferation and elevated perfusion compared with low-grade tumors. Recent studies have shown that ASL-derived perfusion parameters correlate with tumor grade and histopathological aggressiveness in pediatric brain tumors.
Despite growing evidence supporting its diagnostic value, arterial spin labelling (ASL) remains underutilized in routine clinical practice for pediatric brain tumor grading. Further prospective studies are required to validate its diagnostic performance and establish its role as a reliable non-invasive imaging biomarker.
Study design
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| low grade pediatric brain tumors | – | – |
| high grade pediatric brain tumors | – | – |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 0 to 18 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult
- Study population
- pediatric patients with radiological diagnosis of brain tumors
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Pediatric patients aged 18 years or younger.
- Patients with radiological diagnosis of intracranial brain tumors.
Key exclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Patients who have received prior surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy for brain tumors.
- Patients with contraindications to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Primary outcome
Evaluate the diagnostic value of arterial spin labelling (ASL) magnetic resonance perfusion in pre-operative grading of pediatric brain tumors
Time frame: preoperative
arterial spin labelling (ASL) derived cerebral blood flow values and their correlation with histopathological tumor grade (low grade versus high grade pediatric brain tumor)
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 23 Feb 2026.
- Background: PubMed 27932251Kong L, Chen H, Yang Y, Chen L. A meta-analysis of arterial spin labelling perfusion values for the prediction of glioma grade. Clin Radiol. 2017 Mar;72(3):255-261. doi: 10.1016/j.crad.2016.10.016. Epub 2016 Dec 6.
- Background: PubMed 29453753Morana G, Tortora D, Stagliano S, Nozza P, Mascelli S, Severino M, Piatelli G, Consales A, Lequin M, Garre ML, Rossi A. Pediatric astrocytic tumor grading: comparison between arterial spin labeling and dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI perfusion. Neuroradiology. 2018 Apr;60(4):437-446. doi: 10.1007/s00234-018-1992-6. Epub 2018 Feb 16.
- Background: PubMed 27257950Dangouloff-Ros V, Deroulers C, Foissac F, Badoual M, Shotar E, Grevent D, Calmon R, Pages M, Grill J, Dufour C, Blauwblomme T, Puget S, Zerah M, Sainte-Rose C, Brunelle F, Varlet P, Boddaert N. Arterial Spin Labeling to Predict Brain Tumor Grading in Children: Correlations between Histopathologic Vascular Density and Perfusion MR Imaging. Radiology. 2016 Nov;281(2):553-566. doi: 10.1148/radiol.2016152228. Epub 2016 Jun 3.
- Background: PubMed 23945226Furtner J, Schopf V, Schewzow K, Kasprian G, Weber M, Woitek R, Asenbaum U, Preusser M, Marosi C, Hainfellner JA, Widhalm G, Wolfsberger S, Prayer D. Arterial spin-labeling assessment of normalized vascular intratumoral signal intensity as a predictor of histologic grade of astrocytic neoplasms. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2014 Mar;35(3):482-9. doi: 10.3174/ajnr.A3705. Epub 2013 Aug 14.
- Background: PubMed 23907239Yeom KW, Mitchell LA, Lober RM, Barnes PD, Vogel H, Fisher PG, Edwards MS. Arterial spin-labeled perfusion of pediatric brain tumors. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2014 Feb;35(2):395-401. doi: 10.3174/ajnr.A3670. Epub 2013 Aug 1.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Mostafa Elsharkawy, Professor study chair
Assiut university hospitals
Radwa Kamel, associate professor study director
Assiut university hospitals
Hamdy Ibrahim study director
Assiut university hospitals
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Pediatric Brain Tumors, run by Assiut University.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 2 inclusion and 2 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 23 Feb 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Monica Boles (+20 01278489110, monica.sobhy94@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Evaluate the diagnostic value of arterial spin labelling (ASL) magnetic resonance perfusion in pre-operative grading of pediatric brain tumors (time frame: preoperative). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07427316, which also lists 5 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 23 Feb 2026.