Recipient organisationNIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre
NIHR supportRecorded as supported by this research centre
PeriodFeb 2025 — Dec 2034
In plain English
AI plain-English summary
A whole-body MRI scanner will track how ALS destroys muscle tissue over time, giving researchers a concrete way to measure disease progression. ALS is a fast-moving neurological disease that kills the nerves controlling muscles, leaving patients unable to move, speak, swallow, or breathe. Currently, doctors rely on inconsistent clinical tests that miss subtle changes, making it nearly impossible to tell whether a new drug is actually slowing the disease. This study aims to turn whole-body muscle MRI into a reliable biomarker—a measurable biological signal that accurately reflects how fast ALS is advancing. If the MRI scans prove sensitive enough to detect real changes, clinical trials could use them as a standard outcome measure. That would let researchers test experimental treatments faster and with fewer patients, because they would no longer need to wait for obvious physical decline. For patients, this could mean earlier access to effective therapies and more precise monitoring of their own disease trajectory. The study will scan 50 ALS patients, 25 people with other neuromuscular diseases, and 25 healthy controls, repeating scans over five years to see how muscle changes correlate with breathing, strength, and nerve function.
View original technical description
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurological disease that affects the nerves controlling muscles, leading to severe muscle weakness and impacting essential functions like movement, speech, swallowing, and breathing. Despite extensive research, there is currently no reliable method for monitoring the progression of ALS, which limits the development of effective treatments. Purpose of the Project:?Our study aims to enhance the monitoring of ALS using whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This safe and painless imaging technique provides detailed images of muscles throughout the body. By utilizing whole-body muscle MRI, we hope to establish a biomarker that accurately reflects the rate of ALS progression, allowing for better monitoring over time and improved assessment of new treatments in clinical trials. What We Will Do:?We will conduct MRI scans on 50 individuals diagnosed with ALS and compare these to scans from 25 individuals with other neuromuscular diseases and 25 healthy participants. Each participant will undergo three MRI scans within the first six months, with additional annual scans for up to 5 years. Alongside the MRI, we will gather information about muscle strength, breathing function, blood tests, and nerve conduction studies. Why This Is Important:?Current tracking methods for ALS can be inconsistent and may miss subtle changes. Whole-body muscle MRI presents a promising approach to accurately observe the impact of ALS across different muscle groups, leading to better monitoring and more effective clinical trials. How It Will Benefit Patients:?This research could significantly improve the way ALS is monitored in clinical settings, enabling earlier identification of effective treatments. Enhanced monitoring may allow for timely intervention, ultimately improving care quality for patients and their families regarding disease management.
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