RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Performance of Spectral CT-scan in Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: a Prospective Multicentre Study

This study is investigating a new type of CT scan, called Spectral CT, for patients who have bowel cancer that has spread to their liver or the lining of their abdomen. Traditional CT scans are good, but this new Spectral CT might offer clearer pictures and reduce the amount of X-ray exposure or the dye needed. The main goal is to see if Spectral CT can find these cancer spots more accurately than standard CT scans. Finding all the cancer spread is really important for doctors to decide if surgery is a good option. Surgery can improve how long someone lives, but it also has risks. This research aims to understand if the Spectral CT can help doctors make better decisions about treatment for bowel cancer that has spread.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint Etienne

Enrolment target

100

Start

07 Jun 2023

Estimated completion

01 Jun 2025

Colo-rectal Cancer

What is this study about?

This study is looking into a special type of scan called a Spectral CT scan. It's designed for people who have bowel cancer that has spread to other parts of their body, specifically the liver or the lining of their abdomen (the tummy area). Doctors currently use standard CT scans to find these cancer spots. However, Spectral CT is a newer technology that might offer some advantages. It works by using different energy levels of X-rays, which can give a more detailed look at the body's tissues than a regular CT scan.

The main idea behind this study is to see if the Spectral CT is better than current CT scans at detecting these spread-out cancer spots. Accurately finding all the cancer is very important because it helps doctors decide on the best treatment plan. For some patients, surgery to remove these cancer spots can be very helpful and can improve their chances of living longer. However, surgery is a big procedure with its own potential risks and recovery time.

By getting clearer and more precise images, doctors hope to make more informed decisions about who might benefit most from surgery. This research is important because if Spectral CT proves to be more effective, it could help doctors plan treatments more accurately and potentially improve outcomes for people living with bowel cancer that has spread.

Key takeaways

This study evaluates a new type of CT scan for bowel cancer.
It aims to improve detection of cancer spread to the liver and abdomen.
Better detection could lead to more precise treatment planning.
Participation involves having one specialized scan.
The study focuses on adult patients eligible for surgery.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults who have bowel cancer that has spread to their liver or the lining of their abdomen. You would be considered if your doctors are planning surgery to try and remove these cancer spots.

However, this study is not suitable for everyone with bowel cancer. You wouldn't be able to join if your bowel cancer hasn't spread, or if it has spread to other areas like your lungs or bones, but not your liver or abdomen. Also, if you’re currently having chemotherapy but surgery isn't part of your treatment plan, this study wouldn't be 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.

I have bowel cancer.
My cancer has spread to my liver or the lining of my abdomen (around my tummy).
My doctors are considering surgery to remove the cancer spread.
My cancer has not only spread to other areas like my lungs or bones.
I am not only having chemotherapy without a plan for surgery at this time.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study involves having a new type of CT scan, called a Spectral CT scan. This scan will likely be done at the same time as, or instead of, a standard CT scan you might already be having as part of your regular care for bowel cancer. You won't need to take any special medications for this study. The main involvement is simply having this specific type of scan. The study is focused on analysing the images from this scan, so there won't be extra hospital visits or long-term check-ups directly related to the study itself beyond your usual medical care. The exact duration of your participation would be limited to the time taken for the scan and any follow-up analysis of its results.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially offer the benefit of a more detailed scan of your cancer, which might help your doctors plan your treatment more precisely. Spectral CT scans may also use less radiation or contrast dye compared to traditional CT scans. As with any medical scan, there are small risks associated with X-ray exposure and the contrast dye used, which your doctor will discuss with you. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

CHU Saint-Etienne
Verified postcode
Saint-Etienne, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is Spectral CT?

It's a newer, advanced type of X-ray scan that can give doctors more detailed images compared to a regular CT scan, especially for different body tissues.

Why is this study being done?

We want to see if this special Spectral CT scan can find cancer spread in the liver and abdomen more clearly than standard scans, to help doctors plan better treatments.

Will I have to do anything differently?

No, you just need to have the Spectral CT scan. It will likely replace or be done alongside a CT scan you would already be having.

Is there any extra risk from this scan?

All X-ray scans carry a small risk from radiation, but Spectral CT might even reduce this. Your doctor will explain any specific risks to you.

Can I still get my regular treatment if I join?

Yes, taking part in this study will not affect your normal medical care or treatment plan for your bowel cancer.

How to find out more

Rémi GRANGE, MD

remi.grange@chu-st-etienne.fr (0)477828963 Official trial record

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