Diffusion tensor imaging in the SPRINT-MS clinical trial: Advancing trial methodology

Background SPRINT-MS was a placebo-controlled phase 2 trial of ibudilast in secondary and primary progressive multiple sclerosis. The trial included multimodal imaging to assess brain tissue integrity. This contribution focuses on improved analysis methods of diffusion tensor imaging to refine its application in clinical trials. Objective Reassess diffusion tensor imaging from the SPRINT-MS trial. Methods Postprocessing incorporated corrections for bulk motion, eddy current distortion, outlier replacement, and intra-volume movement. The ICBM-DTI-81 white matter parcellation map was coregistered into native space. Six unilateral and 21 bilateral regions of interest were identified. Median radial diffusivity was the primary outcome measure for this analysis. A linear mixed-effects model was used to assess the interaction between time and treatment for the outcome measure with Holm correction for multiple comparisons. Results Radial diffusivity in the cingulum and cerebellar peduncles showed a significant difference in rate of change between treatment and placebo groups (2.7–7.4 × 10 −3 mm 2 /s per 24-week time period, p < 0.04). Radial diffusivity was unchanged (declined) in the treatment (placebo) groups, consistent with preservation (deterioration) of tissue integrity. Conclusion Our results suggest that the diffusion tensor imaging of the cingulum and cerebellar peduncles may be useful target outcome metrics in neuroprotective trials in progressive multiple sclerosis.