Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Breast Tumour Size Measurement by Field Cycling Imaging

This research is testing a new way to measure the size of breast cancer. Specifically, it's focusing on a type called ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). We're using a special kind of MRI scan, called Field-Cycling Imaging (FCI), to see if it can accurately tell us how big these tumours are. Currently, after surgery, we get a very accurate measurement from looking at the removed tissue. This study wants to find out if the FCI scan can give us this accurate size *before* surgery. If it can, it might help doctors plan treatments better. Participants will have both a standard MRI and the new FCI scan before their planned surgery.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

University of Aberdeen

Enrolment target

Start

01 Apr 2026

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2026

Breast Cancer Ductal Carcinoma In Situ

What is this study about?

This study is designed to see if a brand-new type of MRI scanner, called Field-Cycling Imaging (FCI), can accurately measure the size of a specific early form of breast cancer known as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). DCIS means that cancer cells are present in the milk ducts of the breast but haven't spread into the surrounding breast tissue.

Usually, after surgery, doctors examine the removed breast tissue under a microscope (this is called histology) to get a very precise measurement of the tumour's size. This study aims to find out if the FCI scan can provide this accurate measurement *before* surgery takes place. If it can, it might potentially help doctors make more informed decisions about treatment plans for patients with DCIS.

Participants in the study will undergo two different types of MRI scans: a standard MRI scan and the new FCI scan. Both scans will happen before their scheduled surgery to remove the tumour. The information from these scans will then be compared with the precise size measurement obtained from the removed tissue after surgery to see how well the FCI scan performed.

Key takeaways

This study is testing a new MRI scan (FCI) for measuring breast cancer.
It focuses on an early breast cancer type called DCIS.
The goal is to provide accurate tumour size before surgery.
Participants will have two types of MRI scans before their planned surgery.
No new treatments or medications are involved in this research.
Your standard medical care will not be affected by joining.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be a woman aged 18 or over who has recently been diagnosed with a type of breast cancer called ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) through a biopsy. Your tumour needs to be bigger than 1 centimetre on your current scans, and you must be scheduled to have surgery to remove it.

It's important that you can comfortably fit into the scanning machines and understand spoken and written English so you can give your informed consent. This means understanding what the study involves and agreeing to take part.

You cannot join if you are currently receiving chemotherapy or hormone therapy, or if you have any medical reasons why you can't have an MRI scan (like certain metal implants in your body). Also, if you know you're allergic to the special dye sometimes used in MRI scans, you won't be able to take part.

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 a woman aged 18 or older?
Have you been diagnosed with DCIS by biopsy?
Is your DCIS tumour currently measured as larger than 1cm?
Are you scheduled to have surgery for your DCIS?
Are you able to have an MRI scan (e.g., no metal implants)?
Are you not currently having chemotherapy or hormone therapy?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you will have two special scans in addition to the care you would already receive. These are a standard MRI scan and a new Field-Cycling Imaging (FCI) research scan. Both scans will take place before your planned surgery to remove the tumour. You won't be given any new medications as part of this study. There is no long-term follow-up specifically for this research, as the main comparison happens after your surgery. The full duration of your participation in the study itself would involve these two appointments for the scans.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of joining this study is helping researchers learn more about a new way to measure breast tumours. This could eventually lead to better treatment planning for future patients. As with all medical procedures, there are some potential risks. MRI scans are generally very safe, but they do involve lying still in a confined space, which some people find uncomfortable. There's also a very small risk of reaction to the contrast dye used in standard MRI, if applicable. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

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

University of Aberdeen
Verified postcode
Aberdeen, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is DCIS?

DCIS stands for Ductal Carcinoma In Situ. It's an early form of breast cancer where abnormal cells are found lining the milk ducts, but they haven't spread outside the ducts yet.

What is Field-Cycling Imaging (FCI)?

FCI is a new type of MRI scan that researchers are testing to see if it can measure tumours more accurately than standard methods.

Will I get extra treatment if I join?

No, this study doesn't involve any new treatments. It's about using new scans to measure the tumour before your planned surgery.

Are the scans painful?

MRI scans are not painful. You'll need to lie still in a scanner, which can be noisy, but you'll usually be offered headphones to help with this.

How long will I be in the study?

Your involvement in the study will be for the period of having the two extra scans before your surgery. There isn't a long-term follow-up specifically for this research project.

How to find out more

Vasiliki Mallikourti, PhD

vasiliki.mallikourti@abdn.ac.uk +44 1224 437831 Official trial record

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