Improved Method for Noninvasive Brain Diagnostics - NCTR Publications NCTR Research Highlights

Improved Method for Noninvasive Brain Diagnostics

Investigators from the National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR), Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), and Johns Hopkins University have developed a computational pre-processing method to improve the computerized pattern recognition of Magnetic Resonance Scans (MRS) of brain tissue. After processing, brain-tissue scans were categorized into nine descriptive categories with 96% accuracy by pattern recognition, as opposed to a previous accuracy of only 30%. This methodology has significant diagnostic and prognostic potential. For example, astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas (types of brain tumors) are very difficult to distinguish based on MRS images. However, accurate MRS models based on pre-processed scans were able to identify a group of features in the MRS spectra of oligodendrogliomas that were absent in astrocytomas. These biomarkers may permit unequivocal distinction of the two tumor types. The implications for patient care are significant since the prognosis is 1-2 years for astrocytomas vs. 10-15 years for oligodendrogliomas.

The goal is to expand this technology to additional clinical challenges that would benefit from accurate noninvasive diagnostics, such as Alzheimer’s disease and traumatic brain injury. A manuscript describing this research was recently accepted for publication (Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, 2010).

For additional information, please contact Jon Wilkes, Ph.D., or Dan Buzatu, Ph.D., Division of Systems Toxicology, FDA/NCTR.


The Toxicology Forum

Five NCTR scientists presented their studies at symposia organized by The Toxicology Forum held July 11-15, 2010 in Aspen, Colorado. NCTR presentations included:

Tumorigenicity of Acrylamide
PB/PK Modeling of Acrylamide for Use in Risk Assessment
Pharmacokinetics of Bisphenol A
The Role of the Rodent Tumor Mode-of-Action for Naphthalene Toxicity
Evaluation of Toxicity of Nanoscale Materials

The Toxicology Forum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a forum for open discussion among government, academic, and industry scientists on contemporary toxicology issues of mutual interest. The next biannual meeting of the Toxicology Forum will be held February 1-3, 2011 in Washington, D.C.

For additional information, please contact Paul C. Howard, Ph.D., Associate Director for Scientific Coordination, FDA/NCTR.

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