MRinRT: Swansea University and SWWCC Collaboration Study.
This research wants to find out if using MRI scans for planning radiotherapy is better than using only CT scans. The study will look at different types of cancer, including those in the brain, gullet (oesophagus), and stomach. Doctors want to see if MRI can improve how they see tumours and healthy tissues, making radiotherapy more precise. They'll also explore if MRI can help adjust treatment plans as a patient goes through radiotherapy, which might lead to fewer side effects. The study will also investigate if certain MRI scans can predict how well a tumour will respond to treatment or if a patient might experience side effects. This could lead to more personalised and effective treatments in the future.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study, called MRinRT, is being run by Swansea University and local NHS health board. It's looking into how we can use a special type of scan called an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) to improve radiotherapy treatment for certain cancers. These include cancers of the brain, gullet, and stomach.
Currently, radiotherapy plans are mostly made using CT scans. However, MRI scans can often give clearer pictures of soft tissues in the body. The researchers want to find out if using MRI scans, either by themselves or alongside CT scans, can help doctors see tumours and the healthy areas around them much more clearly. This could help them pinpoint the radiotherapy more accurately, which is really important for getting rid of cancer cells while protecting healthy ones. They will also look at whether having repeated MRI scans during treatment can help adjust the plan as the tumour changes, which might reduce side effects.
Another key part of the study is to see if different types of MRI scans can give clues about how well a tumour might respond to radiotherapy or how likely a patient is to experience side effects. This could help doctors choose the best treatment for each person. The study will involve a small number of healthy volunteers and up to 150 patients over four years to gather this important information.
Key takeaways
- The study aims to improve radiotherapy planning using MRI scans.
- It focuses on cancers like brain, gullet, and stomach cancer.
- Researchers hope to make radiotherapy more precise and reduce side effects.
- They will also look for ways MRI can predict how well a treatment will work.
- Participation involves MRI scans, for up to 15 healthy volunteers and 150 patients.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you would need to be at least 18 years old.
If you are a healthy volunteer, you must not have any medical conditions that could interfere with the scan results and you need to be suitable for an MRI scan. Your doctor or the study team will check this.
If you are a patient, you must have a confirmed diagnosis of one of the cancers being studied (like brain, gullet, or stomach cancer) and be scheduled to have radiotherapy to that area. You also need to be generally well enough to take part and suitable for an MRI scan. This means you can't have certain metal implants or severe claustrophobia that would prevent you from having an MRI.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- If you're a patient, do you have one of the study's specific cancers and are you having radiotherapy?
- Are you generally well enough to take part?
- Are you able to have an MRI scan (e.g., no incompatible metal in your body, not severely claustrophobic)?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
This study will take place over four years. If you take part, you might be asked to have MRI scans. These scans will help the researchers understand how best to use MRI for radiotherapy planning. For patients, these scans would be in addition to your usual care and would help the study team gather information. The specific number of visits and scans would depend on whether you are a healthy volunteer or a patient, and your individual treatment plan. There are no specific medications involved in this study, but your current medications would be reviewed to ensure they don't affect the imaging. The study team will explain exactly what your involvement would look like before you decide to take part.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Swansea Bay University Health BoardSwansea, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is an MRI scan?
An MRI scan uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of your body, without using X-rays.
What is radiotherapy?
Radiotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells, often by damaging their DNA.
Why do they want to use MRI for radiotherapy?
MRI can show soft tissues, like tumours and organs, more clearly than CT scans, which might help doctors aim the radiotherapy more precisely.
Will taking part change my cancer treatment?
The study aims to gather information. For patients, the MRI scans are generally in addition to your standard care, but the intention is to use the information to refine treatment planning.
Do I have to take part if my doctor suggests it?
No, taking part in any research study is completely voluntary. Your decision will not affect your medical care.
How to find out more
Owen Nicholas, MBBS FRCR MD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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