An advanced MRI-based, single-centre investigation of high grade gliomas

WHO grade 4 gliomas (Glioblastoma IDH-wildtype and Astrocytoma IDH-mutant) are the most lethal types of brain tumours, with a median survival of just 14 months. 30 patients with newly-diagnosed brain cancer with glioblastoma or grade 4 astrocytoma will undergo a single advanced MRI scan before they undergo surgery to remove the tumour (following the routine treatment pathway). The advanced MRI incorporates a number of MRI sequences including the usually acquired (T1, T2, T1 post-contrast and T2-FLAIR) as well as other specific sequences (Diffusion Tensor imaging [DTI], Magnetic resonance spectroscopy [MRS], amide proton transfer [APT] weighted and perfusion weighted imaging). This imaging protocol will take one hour in total. The scan will be acquired prior to surgery and as per usual practice will involve administration of intravenous gadovist™contrast at usual clinical dose (0.1 mmil/kg body weight).. The exact timing prior to surgery will vary. The MRI scan will be undertaken on the HMRI scanner by a suitably trained senior radiographer experience in brain imaging. The scans will be reviewed by a radiologist and formally reported which will be reviewed by the medical monitor. The scan will be used instead of routinely performed MRI prior to surgery, in addition to collecting additional data using sequences that are not usually implemented clinically. These additional sequences will provide information pertaining to the widespread and subtle changes that occur as a result of the tumour. Participants will be scanned at a single timepoint (preoperatively).