RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Gadoxetate Abbreviated MRI in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

If you have colon cancer, doctors will check if it has spread, often to the liver. An MRI scan using a special dye can help find these liver tumours. A dye called Primovist is very good at this, but the scan can be long and expensive. Some smaller studies suggest a much shorter Primovist MRI might work just as well, making it more available to patients. This study aims to discover if a quick, shortened Primovist MRI scan is as accurate as the longer, standard scan for finding liver tumours from colon cancer. We will also check if the shorter scan makes it more affordable, helping ensure surgeons have the best information to treat patients.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's

Enrolment target

200

Start

01 Jul 2022

Estimated completion

01 Oct 2027

Liver Metastasis Colon Cancer

What is this study about?

When someone is diagnosed with colon cancer, doctors need to know if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. A common place for it to spread is the liver. Usually, a CT scan is done first. If the CT scan shows anything unusual in the liver, doctors might order an MRI scan to get a clearer picture. The MRI helps confirm if these spots are cancer and can find smaller tumours that the CT scan might have missed.

During the MRI, a special dye is injected into your arm. This dye helps make any liver tumours stand out more clearly on the scan. There's a particular dye called Primovist that is known to be very good at finding liver tumours from colon cancer. This information is incredibly important for surgeons, especially if they are planning to remove the tumours, as they want to make sure they find and remove all of them. Knowing about even small tumours helps them plan the best surgery.

Currently, Primovist isn't used as widely as another dye because it costs more and the MRI scan itself takes longer. However, some early research suggests that the Primovist MRI could be made much shorter — possibly from an hour down to just 15 minutes! If this shorter scan works just as well, it would mean more patients could benefit from Primovist because it would be more affordable and quicker. This study is designed to compare the accuracy of this shorter Primovist MRI with the full-length one, to see if it can become a standard, effective option for patients.

Key takeaways

This study compares a long vs. short MRI scan for colon cancer liver spread.
It uses a special dye called Primovist to find liver tumours.
A shorter scan could make Primovist MRIs more accessible and affordable.
The study aims to improve how doctors detect and treat liver tumours from colon cancer.
Participation involves two different types of liver MRI scans.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or older who have been diagnosed with colon cancer and whose earlier scans have shown some spots in their liver that might be cancer. You would also need to feel comfortable agreeing to take part and follow all the steps of the study, and be able to have an MRI scan.

However, some people won't be able to join. For example, if you have certain metal implants in your body that aren't safe for an MRI, or if you have severe kidney problems, you wouldn't be able to participate. You also couldn't join if you get extremely anxious in enclosed spaces, even with medication, or if you've had a bad allergic reaction to contrast dyes before.

Additionally, if you are pregnant, or if your liver cancer has spread too widely to be removeable by surgery, or if you have severe liver disease, you would not be suitable for this study.

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?
Have you been diagnosed with colon cancer?
Do you have spots on your liver that might be cancer?
Are you able to have an MRI scan safely (e.g., no incompatible metal implants)?
Are you not pregnant?
Do you not have severe kidney or liver problems?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you will have two types of MRI scans of your liver. One will be the standard, full-length scan using the Primovist contrast dye, and the other will be a much shorter version of the Primovist MRI. Both scans will involve an injection of the Primovist dye into your arm. These scans will help us compare how well each method finds liver tumours.

We will also be looking at how cost-effective the shorter scan is. The total duration of your participation in the study would involve completing these MRI scans. You would not be given any new medications to take as part of this study.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially offer a benefit by helping doctors understand the best way to find liver tumours, which could improve future care for patients with colon cancer. However, there's no guarantee of direct personal benefit from participating. There are some potential risks associated with MRI scans, such as allergic reactions to the contrast dye (though these are rare and usually mild), or discomfort if you have claustrophobia. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (2)

St. Joseph's Healthcare
Verified postcode
London, Canada· Recruiting
London Health Sciences Centre
Verified postcode
London, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is Primovist?

Primovist is a special liquid dye injected during an MRI scan that helps doctors see liver tumours more clearly.

Why do I need two MRI scans?

You'll have two scans to help compare if a new, much shorter MRI method using Primovist is as good at finding tumours as the current, longer method.

Will the MRI scans hurt?

MRI scans are usually painless, but they can be noisy. You will feel a small prick when the dye is injected, similar to a blood test.

What if I get anxious in small spaces?

If you have severe claustrophobia that isn't helped by medication, you might not be suitable for the study.

Will this study change my cancer treatment?

The main goal of this study is to improve future care. Any findings from your scans will be shared with your doctors to help with your treatment plan.

How to find out more

Harry Marshall, MD/PhD

harry.marshall@lhsc.on.ca 519-685-8500 Official trial record

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