MR-BIO: A Study to Evaluate Changes in MR Imaging and Biological Parameters
This study, called MR-BIO, is looking at how cancer and healthy parts of the body change during radiotherapy treatment. It uses a new type of machine called an MR Linac, which combines an MRI scanner with a radiotherapy device. This allows doctors to take very clear images of the tumour during treatment, targeting it more precisely and protecting healthy tissues. Researchers hope to find out if changes seen on these MR images, along with information from blood and urine samples, can help predict how well a patient will respond to treatment. All cancer patients receiving radiotherapy on the MR Linac at The Christie hospital can be considered for the study. Standard treatment will be given, with additional sample collections.
At a glance
What is this study about?
The MR-BIO study is designed to help us understand more about how radiotherapy affects cancer and the surrounding healthy tissues. Radiotherapy is a common cancer treatment that uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. The better we understand how the body responds to this treatment, the more we can improve it for future patients.
This study uses a special, new radiotherapy machine called an MR Linac. Think of it as a normal radiotherapy machine combined with a powerful MRI scanner. This means doctors can take very detailed pictures of the tumour and nearby areas *during* your treatment session. These clear images help the radiotherapy to be much more accurate, targeting the cancer more precisely while reducing the treatment's effect on healthy parts of your body.
By carefully looking at the changes in these images and also testing samples of blood and urine taken during your treatment, the researchers hope to find patterns. These patterns might show how the tumour is reacting to the treatment and could eventually help doctors predict how well someone will respond. All patients already having radiotherapy on the MR Linac at The Christie hospital can be considered for this study.
Key takeaways
- A study using a special MRI-radiotherapy machine (MR Linac).
- Aims to understand how cancer and healthy tissues change during radiotherapy.
- Patients will receive standard treatment, plus weekly blood/urine samples.
- Hopes to find ways to predict treatment success.
- Healthy volunteers will assist with MRI testing.
- You can withdraw from the study at any time.
Who may be eligible?
To join the study, you need to be over 18 years old and be a patient receiving radiotherapy at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. You'll need to be able to have an MRI scan safely, which means you can't have certain metal implants like a pacemaker. You also need to be willing to provide blood and urine samples during your treatment.
We are also looking for a small number of healthy volunteers for a short time. They must be over 18, able to have an MRI scan safely, and have no serious medical conditions. They will not give blood or urine samples.
Patients or healthy volunteers cannot join if they have medical conditions that prevent safe MRI scanning (like pacemakers or specific metal implants), or if they have certain infectious diseases like HIV or active Hepatitis B or C. Pregnant individuals cannot participate.
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 18 years old or older?
- Are you having radiotherapy at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust?
- Can you safely have an MRI scan (e.g., no pacemaker or certain metal implants)?
- Are you able and willing to give blood and urine samples during your treatment?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in the study, you will continue to receive your standard radiotherapy treatment as planned by your doctor. In addition to your regular care, you will be asked to give blood and urine samples once a week throughout your radiotherapy treatment. You will also be asked for one more set of samples at your first follow-up appointment after treatment finishes. Aside from these samples, your treatment and follow-up will remain the same as for other patients.
Healthy volunteers will have a different experience. They will have up to two MRI scans, each lasting no more than one hour, to help the researchers develop and test the scanning methods. They will not have any blood or urine samples taken or receive any treatment. The total time commitment for healthy volunteers will be very short.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- The Christie NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeManchester, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is an MR Linac?
It's a new type of machine that combines an MRI scanner with a radiotherapy machine. This allows doctors to see very clear images of your tumour while giving you radiotherapy, making the treatment more precise.
Will I get different cancer treatment if I join the study?
No, you will receive the exact same standard radiotherapy treatment that your doctor has prescribed for you. The study only adds extra observations and sample collections.
What does giving samples involve?
If you're a patient, you'll be asked to provide weekly blood and urine samples during your radiotherapy, and one last set at your first follow-up after treatment.
Can I still join if I have a pacemaker?
Unfortunately, no. Having a pacemaker or certain other metal implants means you cannot safely have an MRI scan, so you wouldn't be able to join the study.
What happens after the study finishes?
Once your radiotherapy is complete and you've given your final follow-up samples, you'll continue with your regular follow-up care with your cancer doctor, just like any other patient.
How to find out more
Rachel Reed, MSc
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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