RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Improving Radical Treatment Through MRI Evaluation of Pelvic Sigmoid Cancers

This study, called IMPRESS, is investigating whether adding an MRI scan to the usual CT scan for people with sigmoid colon cancer can help doctors make better treatment decisions. Sigmoid colon cancer is a type of bowel cancer. Doctors hope that using MRI might help them identify more serious tumours, leading to more suitable and effective treatment plans. We'll compare two groups: one receiving standard care (CT scan only), and another receiving both a CT scan and an MRI. Researchers will follow up with patients for one and three years to see how they're doing and whether their quality of life has improved. The aim is to find out if MRI imaging can improve the care and treatment for this type of cancer.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Imperial College London

Enrolment target

244

Start

01 Aug 2014

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2031

Cancer Colorectal Neoplasms Colon, Sigmoid Magnetic Resonance Imaging General Surgery

What is this study about?

This study, called IMPRESS, is looking into how doctors decide on the best treatment for a type of bowel cancer located in the sigmoid colon. Currently, doctors often use a CT scan to help them understand the cancer's size and spread. This new study wants to see if adding an MRI scan to the usual checks can give doctors more detailed information.

The idea is that an MRI might show things a CT scan might miss, especially if the cancer is more serious. If doctors have a clearer picture, they can then tailor the treatment plan better for each person. This could mean different surgeries, or perhaps the addition of chemotherapy or radiotherapy, directly impacting how well the treatment works and what information you receive about your outlook.

This is a 'randomised' study, meaning that if you join, you will be put into one of two groups by chance. One group will receive the standard care with a CT scan, and the other group will also have an MRI scan. Both groups will have their cases discussed by a team of specialists to decide on the best treatment. Researchers will then follow up with everyone for one and three years, and you'll also be asked to fill out questionnaires about your quality of life. This helps the team understand if the extra MRI scan makes a difference to how people feel and how their treatment progresses.

Key takeaways

This study compares CT scans alone versus CT plus MRI for sigmoid colon cancer.
The goal is to see if MRI helps doctors plan better treatments.
Participation involves either standard care or an additional MRI scan.
You'll be followed up for one and three years after treatment.
It aims to improve future care for people with this type of cancer.
You can withdraw from the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is for adults aged 16 or over who have been diagnosed, or are suspected to have, a type of bowel cancer in the sigmoid colon. Doctors must believe the cancer can be cured with treatment, and it should not have spread to other parts of the body in a way that makes it untreatable. You also can't have already made a final decision about your treatment plan before joining.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if the cancer has already spread to other parts of your body, even if those parts could be treated. You also can't participate if you have another type of cancer at the same time. If you can't have an MRI scan for medical reasons, or if you have certain conditions (like glaucoma or kidney problems) that mean you can't take the medication Buscopan (which is sometimes used with MRI scans), then this study wouldn't be suitable for you.

Finally, if you have other serious health problems that would prevent you from having chemotherapy or radiotherapy, should it be needed, then you would also not be able to join. Your doctors will carefully check all these points to see if the study is right for you.

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 16 years old or older?
Have you been diagnosed with, or do doctors suspect you have, sigmoid colon cancer?
Do doctors believe your cancer can be cured with treatment?
Has the cancer not spread to other parts of your body in an untreatable way?
Have you *not* already made a final decision about your treatment plan?
Are you able to have an MRI scan?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will first be asked to sign a consent form, making sure you understand everything. You will then be randomly assigned to one of two groups. If you're in the standard care group, you'll have a CT scan as part of your usual preparations for surgery. If you're in the intervention group, you'll have both a CT scan and an additional MRI scan before your surgery.

Regardless of the group you are in, your case will be discussed by a team of specialist doctors to decide on your final treatment plan. Your treatment will then go ahead as planned. After your treatment, the study involves follow-up appointments at one year and three years. You will also be asked to complete questionnaires about your quality of life during these follow-up periods. The total duration of your participation in the study, including these follow-ups, will be for three years.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in a study like this could offer some potential benefits. For the group receiving an MRI, there's a chance the extra scan might give your doctors more detailed information, potentially leading to an even more tailored and effective treatment plan for you. The information gathered from this study will also help doctors improve care for future patients with similar conditions. There are some potential risks associated with the extra MRI scan itself, such as claustrophobia for some people, or very rarely, an allergic reaction to contrast dyes if used. You will also need to attend follow-up appointments and complete questionnaires which take time. Importantly, your participation is completely voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (16)

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

Hinchingbrooke Hospital
Verified postcode
Huntingdon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Leighton Hospital
Verified postcode
Crewe, United Kingdom· Recruiting
University Hospital of North Tees
Verified postcode
Stockton-on-Tees, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Croydon University Hospital
Verified postcode
Thornton Heath, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Chesterfield Royal
Verified postcode
Chesterfield, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Queen Alexandra Hospital
Verified postcode
Portsmouth, United Kingdom· Recruiting
St Mark's Hospital
Verified postcode
Middlesex, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Maidstone Hospital
Verified postcode
Maidstone, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital
Verified postcode
Margate, United Kingdom· Recruiting
North Manchester General Hospital
Verified postcode
Crumpsall, United Kingdom· Recruiting
University Hospital of South Manchester & Manchester Royal Infirmary
Verified postcode
Wythenshawe, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Harrogate District Hospital
Verified postcode
Harrogate, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is sigmoid colon cancer?

It's a type of cancer that develops in the sigmoid colon, which is the last part of your large intestine before the rectum.

What's the difference between a CT scan and an MRI scan?

Both create detailed pictures inside your body. A CT scan uses X-rays, while an MRI scan uses strong magnets and radio waves. They can show different types of information.

Will my treatment be different because I'm in this study?

The aim of the study is to see if the MRI *might* lead to changes in your treatment plan by giving doctors more information. However, all treatment decisions will still be made by a team of specialists based on what's best for you.

Do I have to pay to be in this study?

No, you will not have to pay to participate in this study. All scans and follow-up related to the study are covered.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and it will not affect your standard medical care.

How to find out more

Caroline Martin

c.martin1@imperial.ac.uk +44 (0) 7749 655 817 Official trial record

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