Brain Function Reorganization from Tumor Invasion & Radiotherapy: A Pilot fMRI Study

Principal Investigator: Dee Wu, PhD

Abstract:

This study will use fMRI techniques to investigate both the impact of tumor invasion and the impact of radiation therapy treatment on the location of functional centers within the brain.  Functional MRI (fMRI) is a non-invasive method that can be used to evaluate many different brain functions.   This research will evaluate pre- and post radiation therapy differences in tasks related to cortical representation as obtained from fMRI, and compare the results with spatial coordinates from "brain mapping databases." It will also evaluate differential hemispheric functional activity (left vs. right "visual hemisphere checkerboard presentation" and right vs. left hand "tapping fingers"), cognitive function (as evaluated by "CPT") and verbal function (as evaluated through a series of tests involving syllable repetition, naming and verb generation tasks).  It is thought that location and reorganization of brain function may result in altered capacity for brain function. Knowledge of such spatial and functional alterations would be of benefit in future treatment planning for the patient.

Objectives:

1)           To quantify the amount and pattern of spatial reorganization of cortical representation in visual, motor, verbal, and cognitive function after gamma knife radiotherapy of primary brain tumors.

2)           To evaluate a possible new clinical protocol which assesses primary functions of the brain (visual, motor, verbal and cognitive functions).

Participant Inclusion Criteria:

Participant Compensation:

Contact Information:

Dee Wu, PhD (405) 271-7454, Ext 46993