Clinical Trials Logo

Clinical Trial Summary

Using magnetic resonance-PET (MR-PET) imaging with [11C]PBR28, a second-generation 18kDa translocator protein (TSPO) radiotracer, we have previously demonstrated abnormally high TSPO expression, indicative of microglia activation, across different brain tissue compartments of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients1.

In this study, we propose to study the efficacy of ocrelizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody that has been shown to decrease neuroinflammation in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.

We will test these effects by studying a cohort of 24 MS patients (12 RRMS, 12 progressive MS). Participants will be studied before (within 3 months prior to initiating treatment) and after treatment with ocrelizumab (~12 month follow up), a therapeutic drug that will be part of their standard medical care. We will use [11C]PBR28 to help determine changes in neuroinflammation.

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of ocrelizumab treatment on neuroinflammation by analyzing the uptake and distribution of [11C]PBR28 in individuals with multiple sclerosis. The specific aims of the current study are:

1. To assess whether treatment with ocrelizumab in subjects with either relapsing-remitting MS or progressive MS is associated with decreased [11C]PBR28 binding in the cortex and white matter (lesions and normal appearing white matter), suggesting reduced neuroinflammation.

2. To assess whether changes in neuroinflammation under ocrelizumab treatment, as measured by [11C]PBR28 uptake at 12-month follow up relative to baseline, are associated with changes in structural MR metrics of brain tissue damage including white matter lesion load, cortical atrophy, and demyelination in the cortex and in the normal-appearing white matter as measured by magnetization transfer ratio (MTR).

3. To explore whether changes in functional and structural imaging metrics under ocrelizumab are associated with changes in clinical outcome measures.


Clinical Trial Description

n/a


Study Design


Related Conditions & MeSH terms


NCT number NCT04230174
Study type Interventional
Source Massachusetts General Hospital
Contact Caterina Mainero, MD, PhD
Phone 617-724-7746
Email cmainero@mgh.harvard.edu
Status Not yet recruiting
Phase Phase 4
Start date February 2020
Completion date July 2022

See also
  Status Clinical Trial Phase
Completed NCT05528666 - Risk Perception in Multiple Sclerosis
Completed NCT03608527 - Adaptive Plasticity Following Rehabilitation in Multiple Sclerosis N/A
Recruiting NCT05532943 - Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Allogeneic Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis Phase 1/Phase 2
Completed NCT02486640 - Evaluation of Potential Predictors of Adherence by Investigating a Representative Cohort of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Patients in Germany Treated With Betaferon
Completed NCT01324232 - Safety and Efficacy of AVP-923 in the Treatment of Central Neuropathic Pain in Multiple Sclerosis Phase 2
Completed NCT04546698 - 5-HT7 Receptor Implication in Inflammatory Mechanisms in Multiple Sclerosis
Active, not recruiting NCT04380220 - Coagulation/Complement Activation and Cerebral Hypoperfusion in Relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis
Completed NCT02835677 - Integrating Caregiver Support Into MS Care N/A
Completed NCT03686826 - Feasibility and Reliability of Multimodal Evoked Potentials
Recruiting NCT05964829 - Impact of the Cionic Neural Sleeve on Mobility in Multiple Sclerosis N/A
Withdrawn NCT06021561 - Orofacial Pain in Multiple Sclerosis
Completed NCT03653585 - Cortical Lesions in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis
Recruiting NCT04798651 - Pathogenicity of B and CD4 T Cell Subsets in Multiple Sclerosis N/A
Active, not recruiting NCT05054140 - Study to Evaluate Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of IMU-838 in Patients With Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Phase 2
Completed NCT05447143 - Effect of Home Exercise Program on Various Parameters in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis N/A
Recruiting NCT06195644 - Effect of Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation on Cortical Excitability and Hand Dexterity in Multiple Sclerosis Patients Phase 1
Completed NCT04147052 - iSLEEPms: An Internet-Delivered Intervention for Sleep Disturbance in Multiple Sclerosis N/A
Completed NCT03591809 - Combined Exercise Training in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis N/A
Completed NCT03594357 - Cognitive Functions in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis
Completed NCT03269175 - BENEFIT 15 Long-term Follow-up Study of the BENEFIT and BENEFIT Follow-up Studies Phase 4