RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

A Feasibility Study of MRI Guided Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (MIDSECTION)

This study is investigating a new way to treat abdominal and lung cancers using a special radiotherapy machine called an MR-Linac. This machine combines an MRI scanner with a radiation delivery system. The main goal is to see if it can deliver radiation more accurately to the tumour, helping to spare surrounding healthy organs. The researchers also want to understand the patient's experience, as this new machine can be noisier than standard ones. They will compare outcomes with traditional radiotherapy and explore how detailed images from the MR-Linac could lead to even better, more personalised treatments in the future. This is an observational study, meaning researchers will carefully watch and collect information as patients receive this new treatment.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

The Christie NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

Start

29 Aug 2025

Estimated completion

29 Jan 2027

Abdominal Cancer Lung Cancer

What is this study about?

This study is exploring a new and advanced way to deliver radiotherapy for certain cancers in the tummy (abdominal region) or chest. This type of radiotherapy is called Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR), which is a highly focused, intense form of radiation. Currently, SABR often uses X-ray technology to guide the treatment.

However, this new study uses a different machine called an MR-Linac. Think of it like combining a powerful MRI scanner with a radiotherapy machine. The main idea is that the MR-Linac can take very clear, real-time pictures of the tumour while the radiation is being delivered. This allows the medical team to see if the tumour moves (for example, when you breathe) and adjust the treatment instantly. This precision aims to deliver a stronger, more targeted dose to the cancer while better protecting the healthy organs and tissues nearby.

The researchers are keen to see how well this new technology works in practice. They will be checking how accurately the radiation is delivered, how patients experience the treatment (for instance, the MR-Linac can be louder than standard machines), and if the detailed real-time images can help improve treatment plans and patient outcomes. They will also compare data from patients treated with the MR-Linac against those who had standard radiotherapy to learn more.

Key takeaways

Exploring a new, more precise radiotherapy for abdominal and lung cancers.
Uses a special MR-Linac machine for real-time imaging during treatment.
Aims to target tumours better and protect healthy tissues.
Researchers will study treatment accuracy and patient experience.
Follow-up for at least one year to monitor outcomes.
Participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you would need to be an adult over 18 years old. The study is looking for people who need a specific type of radiation treatment (SABR) for cancer in their abdomen or chest, following certain national guidelines.

It's important that you don't have any medical reasons that would prevent you from having an MRI scan. We'd also be looking for people who are generally well enough to manage daily activities, have a life expectancy of more than six months, and have no more than three small cancer sites that need treating altogether.

We wouldn't be able to include you if you have any serious medical conditions that the doctors feel would make it unsafe for you to participate. This includes certain infectious diseases or if you're unable to tolerate an MRI scan for any reason.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you an adult over 18?
Do you need focused radiotherapy (SABR) for abdominal or lung cancer?
Can you have an MRI scan without any medical issues?
Are you generally well enough for daily activities?
Are you willing to attend follow-up appointments for at least a year?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you would receive your radiotherapy treatment on the new MR-Linac machine. This is an observational study, which means the researchers will be carefully collecting information about your treatment and your experience. They will gather images during your treatment to understand how the tumour moves and how healthy tissues respond. You'll be asked to provide informed consent, meaning you understand what's involved and agree to participate.

After your treatment, you would need to attend follow-up appointments for at least one year. During these visits, medical details will be collected to see how you are doing and how the treatment has worked. There are no additional medications or extra visits beyond your standard treatment and follow-up, though the experience of the MR-Linac machine itself might be different, for example, it can be quite noisy.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study means you would receive your cancer treatment using advanced technology that aims to deliver radiation more precisely. While this offers potential benefits in better targeting the tumour and potentially reducing side effects to healthy tissues, it's a new approach being carefully evaluated. Potential risks might include the experience of the MR-Linac being noisier or less comfortable than a standard radiotherapy machine. The researchers are also gathering information on potential side effects. Please remember that participation is entirely voluntary, and you are free to withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Manchester, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an MR-Linac?

It's a special machine that combines an MRI scanner with a radiotherapy machine. This allows doctors to see the tumour very clearly in real-time while delivering radiation.

Why is this study important?

It aims to see if this new technology can deliver cancer treatment more accurately, potentially leading to better outcomes and fewer side effects compared to traditional methods.

Will I get extra radiation if I join?

No, the MRI part of the machine uses magnetic fields, not radiation, for imaging. Any radiation you receive is for your cancer treatment, similar to standard radiotherapy.

Is the MR-Linac treatment different?

The treatment itself is still radiotherapy, but the MR-Linac can be noisier than standard machines, and the detailed imaging means the medical team can see and adapt to tumour movement during treatment.

What kind of cancer is this for?

This study is focused on certain types of cancer in the abdomen (tummy area) and the main breathing organ (lungs) that are suitable for highly focused radiation treatment.

How to find out more

Clare Griffin

clare.griffin1@nhs.net 01614463000 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.