RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

PET-MRI Esophagus Feasibility Study

This research study is testing a special type of scan, called a PET-MRI, for people undergoing radiation treatment for oesophagogastric cancer. We want to see if using PET-MRI scans can provide valuable information about the cancer before, during, and after radiation treatment. The scans in this study won't be used to guide your actual treatment; your doctors will still use the standard methods. The aim is to understand if PET-MRI could eventually help radiation teams plan future treatments better. This is a small study involving up to 15 patients in one hospital, and it's looking at how practical it is to use these scans in the treatment process.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Health Network, Toronto

Enrolment target

Start

28 Mar 2023

Estimated completion

01 May 2027

Esophagogastric Cancer

What is this study about?

This research study is like a test run to see if a special type of scan, called a PET-MRI, can be useful for people with cancer in their oesophagus or stomach who are having radiation treatment. The oesophagus is the tube that carries food from your throat to your stomach. When you have cancer there, doctors often use radiation treatment to target and destroy cancer cells.

Currently, doctors use certain scans to help them plan radiation. This study is trying to find out if adding PET-MRI scans to the process could give doctors even more helpful information. We'll be doing these special scans before you start radiation treatment, during the treatment, and again after you finish. It's important to know that these particular scans won't be used to make decisions about your current treatment plan; your care will continue as normal. The main goal is to gather information so that in the future, PET-MRI could become a standard part of planning radiation treatment for oesophageal cancer.

By taking part, you'd be helping us learn whether PET-MRI is a practical and valuable tool that could potentially improve how radiation treatment is planned for patients like you in the future. We want to understand if these scans can show us things that other scans might miss, which could lead to more effective treatments down the line.

Key takeaways

This study uses special PET-MRI scans for people with oesophageal or stomach cancer.
The scans will happen before, during, and after radiation treatment.
The scans are for research only and won't change your current care.
It aims to see if PET-MRI can help plan future radiation treatments better.
Your standard medical care will continue as normal throughout the study.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be 18 years old or older and have a type of oesophageal or stomach cancer that your doctors are considering for radiation treatment that lasts longer than four weeks. You also need to be able to understand the study information and agree to take part by signing a consent form.

However, there are reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have a medical condition that means you can't have an MRI scan, or if you can't lie flat on your back for about an hour for the scan, then this study wouldn't be suitable for you. This also applies if you have a pacemaker, an implanted defibrillator (a device that helps your heart beat normally), or if you get very claustrophobic (feel very anxious in small, enclosed spaces).

Additionally, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you would not be able to participate in this study. The scans involve elements that might not be safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

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?
Do you have oesophageal or stomach cancer suitable for radiation therapy longer than 4 weeks?
Are you able to have an MRI scan (e.g., no pacemaker, not extremely claustrophobic)?
Are you able to lie still on your back for about an hour?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you won't need to take any new medication. Your radiation treatment will continue as planned by your doctors, and all your usual clinical care will be provided. The study simply adds some extra scans to your existing treatment journey.

Specifically, you will have three special PET-MRI scans: one before your radiation treatment begins, another while you are receiving radiation treatment, and a final one after your radiation treatment has finished. Each scan will involve spending time in the scanner. The results of these specific scans will be for research purposes only and will not be used to change your current treatment plan.

There are no extra follow-up visits related to this study beyond your standard care. The total duration of your participation in the study would be from before your radiation treatment starts until after you complete it, spanning the period of your radiation therapy.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might not directly benefit you, as the scans won't change your current treatment. However, your participation will provide valuable information that could help doctors improve radiation treatment planning for future patients with oesophageal cancer. Potential risks associated with PET-MRI scans are generally low but include discomfort from lying still for an extended period, claustrophobia for some individuals, and very rare reactions to the contrast dye used in MRI. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a PET-MRI scan?

It's a special scan that combines two types of images, PET and MRI, to give doctors very detailed pictures of your body and help see where cancer cells are active.

Will these scans change my treatment?

No, the scans in this study are for research only. Your doctors will continue to plan your treatment using their usual methods, and your care will not be affected.

How long will the scans take?

Each PET-MRI scan can involve lying still for around an hour or more, including preparation time.

Do I have to take part?

No, taking part is completely your choice. Your decision won't affect the medical care you receive in any way.

Who is running this study?

This study is being led by a doctor or research team specifically at one hospital, and it's focused on understanding how useful PET-MRI can be for oesophageal cancer treatment.

How to find out more

Rebecca K S Wong, MD

rebecca.wong@uhn.ca 4169462000 Official trial record

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