Advances in Imaging to Assess Response in Rectal Cancer
This study is investigating if it's practical to use advanced MRI scans to better plan radiotherapy for rectal cancer. Radiotherapy is a common treatment for this type of cancer, and getting detailed, regular MRI scans could help doctors target the cancer more accurately. By improving how we see the cancer, we hope to make radiotherapy even more effective and reduce side effects. This research specifically wants to find out if it's possible to take these serial MRI images for every patient and what benefits they might bring to personalising treatment plans. It's an observational study, meaning participants will undergo scans as part of their treatment, and researchers will gather information from them.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When someone is diagnosed with rectal cancer, a common treatment is radiotherapy, which uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. To make sure this treatment is as effective as possible, doctors need to know the exact size and location of the cancer. Traditionally, CT scans are used for this, but MRI scans give a much clearer picture of soft tissues, like those in the rectum.
This study is looking at whether we can regularly use detailed MRI scans to help plan radiotherapy for rectal cancer patients. By getting these advanced scans over time, doctors hope to get an even more precise view of the cancer. This information could allow them to tailor the radiotherapy treatment more accurately to each patient, potentially making it more effective and reducing harm to healthy tissues nearby. This is important because while radiotherapy is very helpful, delivering it precisely is key to good outcomes.
Ultimately, this research aims to find out if it's practical and beneficial to take these detailed MRI images regularly throughout a patient's treatment journey. If successful, it could lead to better and more personalised radiotherapy planning for people with rectal cancer in the future.
Key takeaways
- This study evaluates using advanced MRI scans for rectal cancer radiotherapy planning.
- It aims to make radiotherapy more precise by clearer cancer imaging.
- Participation involves no new treatments, only using information from routine scans.
- The goal is to improve future treatment planning for people with rectal cancer.
- It's an observational study, so it won't change your current medical care.
Who may be eligible?
To be able to take part in this study, you would need to have rectal cancer that has been confirmed by a lab test and is considered advanced (T stage 3b or higher, or has other high-risk features like spread to lymph nodes). You must be at least 18 years old, male or not pregnant, and be planning to have strong radiotherapy treatment for your cancer.
You also need to be able to understand the study information and give your permission to take part in writing. It's important that you are willing and able to follow the study's requirements for the whole duration.
There are also reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you can't have an MRI scan (due to claustrophobia, certain metal implants, or being too heavy for the scanner), or if you've had radiotherapy to your pelvic area before. People with inflammatory bowel disease, other serious uncontrolled illnesses, or certain mental health conditions that would prevent them from giving informed consent or following the study would also not be eligible. If you've had major surgery recently (within 28 days) or have a stoma that doesn't pass waste, you also wouldn't be able to 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.
- Do you have confirmed rectal cancer?
- Is your cancer considered advanced or high-risk?
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Are you scheduled to have radiotherapy for your cancer?
- Can you have an MRI scan (no metal implants, not severely claustrophobic)?
- Have you not had radiotherapy to your pelvis before?
What does participation involve?
This is an observational study, which means you won't be given any new treatments. Instead, the study will collect information from the MRI scans you would have as part of your standard care for rectal cancer planning. You would attend regular MRI appointments, which are a routine part of preparing for radiotherapy. The researchers will simply be using these scans to see if this detailed imaging approach is practical and helpful. There are no extra medications or follow-up visits specifically for the study. The total duration of your participation would align with your radiotherapy planning schedule.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Beatson West of Scotland Cancer CentreVerified postcodeGlasgow, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is an 'observational study'?
An observational study means researchers watch what happens with your standard medical care and collect information, rather than trying out new treatments or procedures.
Will I receive a different treatment if I join this study?
No, you will receive your standard radiotherapy treatment as decided by your doctors. This study is about improving how that treatment is planned, not changing the treatment itself.
What does a 'serial MRI image' mean?
It means getting several MRI scans over a period of time, rather than just one. This allows doctors to see how things might change.
Will taking part in this study take up a lot of my time?
No, your participation won't require extra visits or time beyond your usual radiotherapy planning appointments and scans.
What is 'radiotherapy planning'?
This is the process where doctors use scans to precisely work out where to aim the radiation beams to treat the cancer, trying to protect healthy tissues.
How to find out more
Ms Lynsey Devlin
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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