Is there an “expiration date” for MRIs used to establish eligibility for the trial? For example, what if a patient comes in with an MRI that was done six months ago or longer?

There is no pre-determined time point at which MRIs are “too old.” This will be a clinical determination made by the treating physician. The key question is whether, in the physician’s judgment, the MRI in question accurately represents the patient’s current symptoms. If so, then that MRI may be used to determine eligibility for the study. If not, then the physician may decide to order a new MRI – in which case, the new MRI would be used to determine study eligibility. If the physician determines a new MRI is needed but the patient’s insurance will not pay for it, a research MRI may be offered to evaluate eligibility for the trial.