PET Imaging of Cyclooxygenase-2 in Multiple Sclerosis
Status:
Recruiting
Trial end date:
2025-04-11
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Background:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that has no cure. MRI is the main tool used
in the study and treatment of people with MS. A tracer has been developed for
cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an enzyme found in the brain during inflammation. Researchers want
to explore the role inflammation plays in MS and see if COX-2 is measurable in the brains of
people with the disease.
Objective:
To see if COX-2 is detectable in the brains of individuals with MS.
Eligibility:
People ages 18 and older with MS who are otherwise healthy.
Design:
Participants will be screened with their medical history and a physical exam. They will have
an EKG to check the electrical activity of the heart.
Participants study involvement requires 2 to 3 visits and will last between 1 week and 4
months.
Participants will have 2 PET scans of the brain. These might occur on the same day or on
separate days. A small amount of a radioactive chemical will be injected through an
intravenous catheter. A needle will be used to guide a thin plastic tube into an arm vein.
The needle will be removed. Only the catheter will be left in the vein. The PET scanner is
shaped like a doughnut. Participants will lie on a bed that slides in and out of the scanner.
They will wear a plastic mask molded to fit the head. The scan will last about 90 minutes.
Participants will receive the medication celecoxib orally about 2 hours before the second
scan.
Participants will have blood tests.
Participants must avoid certain medications a month prior to the PET scans.