Measuring Hsp90 Protein Levels in the Brain Using the New PET Scan Tracer 11CHSP990 to Study Healthy Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a new radiolabeled molecule called 11CHSP990 using PET imaging to measure levels of Heat Shock Protein 90 Hsp90 in the human brain. Hsp90 plays a key role in how brain proteins fold and maintain cell health. The study focuses on healthy volunteers and patients with neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinsons disease, Alzheimers disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, where protein misfolding is common. This imaging approach aims to support development of drugs targeting Hsp90. The study involves three parts. First, three healthy volunteers will have whole-body PETCT scans over 120 minutes to study the tracers distribution and radiation exposure. Next, five young healthy volunteers will undergo 120-minute brain PETCT scans with blood sampling to analyze how much tracer reaches the brain and is metabolized. Finally, 30 patients with neurodegenerative diseases and 10 healthy controls will have brain PETCT scans using a simplified protocol to compare regional brain uptake of the tracer between groups. Participants will attend scanning visits lasting about 4 hours each, with some undergoing repeat scans within a week to check measurement reliability. Researchers will assess Hsp90 levels right after each scan and analyze safety, radiation dose, and optimal imaging methods. The study also examines age effects on Hsp90 in healthy brains and differences in patients. Results may help develop new treatments and improve understanding of neurodegeneration. Participation involves imaging, blood sampling, and health assessments with close monitoring throughout the study.

Quantification of Hsp90 in the Human Brain