Current Projects
These are our current research projects, including a project summary, dates of existence,
principle investigators, and related resources:
Projects Listing
Hemorrhage / Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy Studies
Ischemic Studies
Other Neurology Studies
Hemorrhage / Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy Studies
GOCHA
Genetic Risks for Medication-Related Hemorrhagic Stroke
NIH / NINDS
Principal Investigator: Dr. Jonathan Rosand
Co-investigators: Dr. Steven M. Greenberg ,Dr. Anand Viswanathan,Dr. Joshua Goldstein
Enrollment: Amy Halpin 617.643.2782
End Date: July 31, 2013
Summary: The goal of this multi-center study is to examine potential genetic risk factors for intracerebral hemorrhage in patients taking anticoagulant medication.
PET Imaging of Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy with Pittsburg Compound B
Alzheimer’s Association
Principal Investigator: Dr. Steven M. Greenberg
Co-Investigators: Dr. Keith Johnson, Dr. Jonathan Rosand, and Dr. Anand Viswanathan
Enrollment: Amy Halpin 617.643.2782
Start Date: August 1, 2006
End Date: Jan. 1, 2010
Summary: The goal of this study is to determine whether CAA can be detected by PET scans using the Aß-detecting compound Pittsburg Compound B (PiB).
Vascular Dysfunction in Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy
NIH / NIA
Principal Investigator: Dr. Steven M. Greenberg
Co-investigators: Dr. Jonathan Rosand and Dr. Anand Viswanathan
Enrollment: Amy Halpin 617.643.2782
Start Date: September 15, 2005
End Date: May 31, 2010
Summary: The major goal of this project is to analyze the effect of cerebral amyloid angiopathy on microvascular function, white matter disease, and cognitive impairment.
The Role of Advanced CAA in Alzheimer's Dementia
NIH-NIA National Institute on Aging/ADRC
Principal Investigator:Dr. Anand Viswanathan
Co-investigators: Dr. Steven M. Greenberg and Dr. Jonathan Rosand
Enrollment: Amy Halpin 617.643.2782
End Date: March 31, 2014
Summary:The goal of this study is to determine how advanced CAA affects the clinical and cognitive profile of AD subjects and to use Neuroimaging to identify white matter lesions and other possible tissue injury markers potentially responsible for its impact.
Effect of Surgery-Related Brain Hypoperfusion on ß-Amyloid Deposition
NIH-NIA National Institute on Aging/ADRC
Principal Investigator:Greer, David M., M.D.
Co-investigators: Dr. Steven M. Greenberg,Dr. Jonathan Rosand, and Dr. Anand Viswanathan
Enrollment: Amy Halpin 617.643.2782
End Date: March 31, 2010
Summary:The goal of this project is to determine the effect of surgery-related circulatory arrest on cerebral PiB retention and plasma Aß concentration, and to correlate surgery-related changes in PiB-PET imaging or plasma Aß with changes in brain structural neuroimaging or cognitive performance.
Predictors of Hematoma Expansion in Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage
NINDS, AHA
Principal Investigator:Dr. Joshua Goldstein, and Dr. Jonathan Rosand
Co-investigators: Dr. Steven M. Greenberg
Enrollment: Alexandra Oleinik 617.724.2829
Summary:Prospective observational study of the use of CT angiography to predict hematoma expansion in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage.
Optical Imaging of Brain Blood Flow and Hematoma Detection
Principal Investigator: Lee H. Schwamm, MD
Co-Investigators: David Boas, Ph.D.
Enrollment: Shihab Masrur 617.724.4941
Start Date: N/A
End Date: December, 2007 for recruitment
Summary: Center for Innovative and Minimally Invasive Therapy/ Department of Defense funded study of the feasibility and efficacy of diffuse optical tomography in noninvasively identifying and following brain ischemia or hemorrhage in patients.
Ischemic Studies
AVAIL
Adherence eValuation After Ischemic Stroke Longitudinal Registry
Principal Investigator: Lee H. Schwamm, MD
Co-investigators: Masrur, Shihab, M.D.
Enrollment: Shihab Masrur 617.724.4941
Start Date: Under IRB review
End Date: December, 2007 for recruitment
Summary: AVAIL is a prospective, observational study for the hospitals participating in Get With the Guidelines-Stroke Program with the study aims to describe longitudinal treatment patterns and patients’ downstream clinical and functional outcomes among a broad community-based population.
Effects of Normobaric Oxygen Therapy in Ischemic Stroke
Normobaric Hyperoxia in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Funded by: NIH / NINDS
Principal Investigator: Singhal, Aneesh B., M.D.
Enrollment: Angela Besanger 617.724.1538
Start Date: September 7, 2006
End Date: June 30, 2011
Summary: This translational research project comprises several rodent studies and a 150-patient stroke clinical trial being conducted in conjunction with the SPOTRIAS project listed below [Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00414726]. The overall goal is to investigate the safety, efficacy, and therapeutic mechanisms of normobaric oxygen therapy (NBO) in acute ischemic stroke. A major component of this research involves the use of state-of-the-art MRI technology to understand the mechanisms underlying oxygen's effects.
Abstract: Not yet available
Extended-release dipyridamole/G-tube trial
Pharmacokinetics of extended-release dipyridamole following
administration through gastric tubes
Funded by: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Principal Investigator: Greer, David M., M.D.
Co-investigators: Crandell, David, M.D.
Research Assistant: Batista, Leonardo, M.D., D.D.S.
Enrollment: Closed to Enrollment
Start Date: November 2005
End Date:August 27,2009
Summary: The purpose of this pilot study is to evaluate dipyridamole serum concentrations obtained following administration of extended-release dipyridamole through gastric tubes, compared with serum concentrations obtained through oral administration. After completion of this study, the data will provide information regarding the utility of gastric tubes as a possible route of administration of extended-release dipyridamole.
FLO24
Safety and Efficacy of NeuroFlo in 8-24 Hour Stroke Patients
Principal Investigators: Nogueira, Raul G., M.D. and Almozlino, Avraham, M.D.
Co-investigators: Buonanno, Ferdinando S., M.D., Carandang, Raphael, M.D., Gonzalez, Ramon, M.D., Greer, David M., M.D., Hirsch, Joshua, M.D., Hochberg, Leigh R., M.D., Ph.D., Leesch, Wolfgang, M.D., Masrur, Shihab, M.D., Muehlschlegel, Susanne, M.D., Park, Soojin, M.D., Potter, Nicholas S., M.D., Ph.D., Pryor, Johnny, M.D., Rabinov, James, M.D., Rordorf, Guy A., M.D., Rosand, Jonathan, M.D., MSc, Rost, Natalia S., M.D., Schwamm, Lee H., M.D., Sheth, Kevin, M.D., Silverman, Scott, M.D., Sims, John R., M.D., Smith, Eric E., M.D., Strozyk, Dorothea, M.D., Thompson, Bradford, M.D., Viswanathan, Anand, M.D., Ph.D., Yoo, Albert, M.D.
Enrollment: Shihab Masrur 617.724.4941
Start Date: August 13, 2007
End Date: Ongoing
Summary: To assess the safety and feasibility of the NeuroFlo catheter in treating patients with ischemic stroke whose last known time symptom-free was between 8-24 hours prior to treatment. The study is a prospective, single arm treatment feasibility trial to determine the baseline safety and feasibility of the NeuroFlo device in acute ischemic stroke patients whose last known time symptom free is between 8 and 24 hours.
Abstract: Not yet available
GASROS
Genes Associated with Stroke Risk and Outcomes Study
Principal Investigator: Karen L. Furie, M.D.
Enrollment: Mikaela Larson 617.643.3952
Start Date: 2001
End Date: October 1, 2011
Summary: Genes appear to contribute to the risk of having a stroke and may affect recovery from stroke. We are enrolling subjects with a history of ischemic stroke or TIA to examine the genetic determinants of stroke risk and outcome. We contribute DNA to the NINDS Human Genetics Resource Center.
Abstract: Not yet available
GWTG
Massachusetts Prototype-Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Registry and the Get with the Guidelines Program
Principal Investigator: Schwamm, Lee H., MD
Co-investigators: Buonanno, Ferdinando, M.D., Furie, Karen, M.D., Goldstein, Joshua, M.D., Kumar, Monisha, M.D., Park, Soojin, M.D., Smith, Eric, M.D.
Enrollment: Pervez, Muhammad A., M.D.
Start Date: 2002
End Date: December, 2007 for recruitment
Summary: Get With The Guidelines (GWTG)-Stroke is the American Stroke Association program to improve hospital care in patients admitted with acute ischemic stroke (IS) or TIA. It is a rapid-cycle, continuous quality improvement initiative for acute stroke treatment and ischemic stroke secondary prevention.
IMS III
Interventional Management of Stroke: PHASE 3 Clinical Trial
Principal Investigator: Lee H. Schwamm, MD
Co-investigators: Buonanno, Ferdinando, M.D., Greer, David, M.D., Hirsch, Joshua, M.D., Hochberg, Leigh, M.D., Muehlschlegel, Susanne, M.D., Nogueira, Raul, M.D., Park, Soojin, M.D., Pryor, Johnny, M.D., Rabinov, James, M.D., Rordorf, Guy, M.D.,Rosand, Jonathan, M.D., Rost, Natalia, M.D., Silverman, Scott, M.D., Sims, John, M.D., Smith, Eric, M.D., Thompson, Bradford, M.D., Viswanathan, Anand, M.D.
Enrollment: Shihab Masrur 617.724.4941
Start Date: IRB approved for 2007
End Date: November 2011
Summary: IMS 3 is a randomized, multi-center, open label trial that will examine whether a combined intravenous (IV) and intra-arterial (IA) approach to recanalization is superior to standard IV rt-PA (Activase®) alone when initiated within three hours of acute ischemic stroke onset.
IRIS
Insulin Resistance Intervention after Stroke Trial
Principal Investigator: Karen L. Furie, M.D.
Co-Investigators: David M. Greer, M.D. and Aneesh B. Singhal, M.D.
Enrollment: Mikaela Larson 617.643.3952
Start Date: December 14, 2004
End Date: July 1, 2008
Summary: The Insulin Resistance Intervention after Stroke (IRIS) trial is a randomized clinical trial that will test the effectiveness of a new approach to preventing stroke and heart attack among patients with a recent ischemic stroke or TIA. The new approach targets insulin resistance, a newly-recognized cause of atherosclerosis.
Abstract: Not yet available
NIH study of stroke progression by advanced MRI techniques
Principal Investigators: Gregory Sorensen, M.D., Aneesh B. Singhal, M.D.
Enrollment: Christian Holt 617.643.3869
Start Date: April 23, 1999
End Date: March 31, 2009
Summary: Using diffusion weighted and perfusion MR imaging to map out the growth of stroke injury over the first hours to days in patients with ischemic stroke. The goal is to construct a predictive model of eventual infarct based on the acute MRI scan. This will allow precise testing of therapeutic strategies.
Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria
SPOTRIAS
Specialized Program of Translational Research in Acute Stroke
Principal Investigator: Karen L. Furie, M.D.
Co-Investigators: Project 1 - Singhal, Aneesh B., M.D., Project 2 - Michael Lev, M.D., and Project 3 - Karen L. Furie, M.D.
Enrollment: Angela Besanger 617.724.1538
Start Date: January, 2007
End Date: October, 2011
Summary: The overall goal of SPOTRIAS is to allow researchers to enhance and initiate translational research that ultimately will benefit individuals with stroke.
For more information, visit our SPOTRIAS main page or one of
the following related pages:
Stroke Database / Research Registry
Principal Investigator: Karen L. Furie, M.D.
Co-Investigators: MGH Stroke Service
Enrollment: Allison DiPietro
Start Date: 1999
End Date: Ongoing
Summary: The stroke database is a prospective observational study. The inclusion criteria is any patient admitted to the MGH or BWH with TIA (transient ischemic attack); or ischemic stroke. There are no exclusion criteria. The purpose is to assess the efficacy of acute stroke interventions with respect to functional outcome and mortality in patients with acute ischemic stroke, to determine the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of stroke treatments for acute ischemic, and to create a database of stroke patients for use in ongoing research on stroke diagnosis, treatment and outcomes.
SWISS
Siblings with Ischemic Stroke
Principal Investigator: Karen L. Furie, M.D.
Enrollment: Mikaela Larson 617.643.3952
Start Date: 2005
End Date: August 1, 2008
Summary: This study is enrolling patients who have had a stroke and have a sibling with a history of stroke in order to better understand the genetics of ischemic stroke.
Abstract: Not yet available
Other Neurology Studies
BrainGate
P300-BCI
P300 Brain-Computer Interface
Funded By: Department
Principal Investigator: Hochberg, Leigh R., M.D., Ph.D.
Co-Investigator: Cash, Sydney S., M.D.
Enrollment: lmtownsend@bics.bwh.harvard.edu (page: 22653)
Start Date: January 9, 2007
End Date: January 9, 2009
Summary: Not available
PET Imaging with Pittsburg Compound B and Subcortical Small Vessel Disease
Harvard Center for Neurodegeneration and Repair
Principal Investigator: Smith, Eric E., M.D.
Co-Investigators: Johnson, Keith, M.D., MGH Dept. of Radiology
Enrollment: Amy Halpin 617.643.2782
Start Date: April 1, 2007
End Date: April 2008
Summary: Investigation of the relationships between WMH and beta-amyloidoses (AD and CAA) using PET imaging with Pittsburgh Compound B (PET-PIB) as a marker of deposited beta-amyloid.
PROFESS
Prevention Regimen For Effectively avoiding Second Strokes
Sponsor: B-1
Principal Investigator: Greer, David M., M.D.
Co-Investigators: Furie, Karen L., M.D. and Singhal, Aneesh B., M.D.
Enrollment: Donna Defilippo 617.726.0887
Start Date: 2003
End Date: Ongoing
Summary: Prevention Regimen for Effectively avoiding Second Strokes (PRoFESS) is a secondary stroke prevention study looking at the effects of Aggrenox versus Plavix, with and without Micardis.
To date there are 20,000 participants enrolled from sites all over the world. The study closed to enrollment in 2006, and is currently in the follow-up phase. Our subjects include patients 50 years or older that had had an ischemic stroke within 120 days of enrollment.
Study participants are formally followed every six months, with phone contacts every three months in between study visits. MGH started enrolling in 2003 and the last patient follow-ups are scheduled for February of 2008.
Abstract: Not yet available