MRI Development for Radiotherapy Planning and Delivery in Non-Patient Volunteers
This study aims to make MRI scans for radiotherapy even better. We're asking healthy volunteers to have MRI scans using special equipment called MR-Linac and MRSIM. The goal is to develop, improve, and check new ways of using MRI at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. By doing this, we can make sure that when patients need radiotherapy, the MRI scans used for planning and guiding their treatment are as accurate and safe as possible. This study is about helping future patients by improving the technology behind their care.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine you're going to have radiotherapy for a health problem. Doctors need very clear pictures of the inside of your body to plan exactly where the treatment should go, so they can target the problem area accurately while protecting healthy tissues nearby. MRI scans are great for this because they provide wonderfully detailed images without using X-rays.
This study is focused on making these MRI scans even better, especially for planning and delivering radiotherapy. Researchers at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust are working with special MRI machines called MR-Linac and MRSIM. These machines are at the forefront of radiotherapy technology.
To improve how these machines take pictures, the research team needs to test and fine-tune different settings and methods. This is where healthy volunteers come in. By scanning people who don't have a medical condition, the team can focus purely on developing the imaging techniques. This will help doctors get the best possible images to guide radiotherapy treatment for patients in the future, making their care more precise and potentially more effective.
Key takeaways
- This study helps improve MRI scans for future radiotherapy patients.
- Healthy volunteers are needed for MRI scans at The Christie.
- The goal is more accurate and safer radiotherapy treatments.
- Participation involves one or more MRI scans.
- No medication or long-term follow-up is required for this study.
- You can withdraw from the study at any time.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be at least 16 years old and be happy to give your written permission to take part. You'll also need to have a safety check to make sure it's completely safe for you to have an MRI scan.
Because we'll be looking closely at the MRI images, any incidental findings (things we might notice by chance that aren't related to the study) will be checked by a specialist doctor called a radiologist. You'll also need to agree for your details to be registered as a 'non-patient' in The Christie's electronic health record system, which helps manage your involvement in the study.
There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. If you have anything that makes an MRI scan unsafe (like certain metal implants), or if you can't lie still during the scan, you wouldn't be able to participate. We also can't include pregnant women or anyone who is part of the research team. If you have a known health issue in the part of the body being scanned, you also won't be able to take part.
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 16 years old or older?
- Are you able to provide written permission?
- Do you feel comfortable having an MRI scan?
- Do you have any metal in your body that might make an MRI unsafe?
- Are you pregnant or think you might be?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you will have one or more MRI scans. These scans will be performed on special machines called the MR-Linac and MRSIM at The Christie. Before your scan, you will go through an MRI safety check. During the scan, you will lie still on a bed that slides into the MRI machine. The scan itself can take some time, but you won't need to take any medication or have follow-up appointments related to the study once your scan is complete. The total duration of your participation will involve the safety check and the scan itself.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- The Christie NHS FTVerified postcodeManchester, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is an MRI scan?
An MRI scan uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body, without using any radiation.
What is radiotherapy?
Radiotherapy is a type of treatment that uses high-energy rays to destroy unhealthy cells, often used in cancer treatment.
Why do you need healthy volunteers?
By scanning healthy volunteers, researchers can focus on developing and perfecting the MRI techniques without the complexities of a patient's individual condition.
Will I get paid for taking part?
The study information does not mention payment for participation. It is usually a voluntary contribution to medical research.
What if the scan finds something unexpected?
If the scan shows something unexpected, a specialist doctor called a radiologist will look at it carefully, and you would be informed of the findings.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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