RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Evaluation of New Magnetic Resonance Techniques

This research is all about improving how we use MRI scans. We're evaluating new techniques, computer programs, and equipment upgrades for MRI scanners. The main goal is to find out if these new methods can give clearer, more helpful images, or if they can measure things more accurately and consistently. We do this by adding small, safe extra scans during a routine MRI or by doing a full new scan, depending on what we're testing. The aim is to find promising new approaches that could eventually be used to help patients get better diagnoses and treatment for a wide range of health conditions. Your participation helps us make MRI technology even better for everyone.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

2,850

Start

21 Apr 2021

Estimated completion

01 Jan 2031

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

What is this study about?

Imagine an MRI scan as a very advanced camera for looking inside your body. This study is like testing new lenses, filters, and software for that camera. We're constantly trying to make these 'pictures' clearer, more detailed, and more informative for doctors. When new MRI technology comes out, whether it's an update to the machine's computer program or a new piece of equipment, we need to check if it really works better than what we already have.

This study acts as a way to try out many different new MRI ideas. We want to see if these new methods are practical to use, produce good quality images, and give us reliable results. If a new technique looks promising here, it might then be used in everyday patient care, or we might study it in more detail in a larger research project.

For example, if we're testing a small new addition, we might add it to a regular MRI scan you're already having. This extra bit usually takes no more than 15 minutes and uses no extra dyes. For bigger tests of new methods, we might ask you to have a dedicated research scan, which would be similar in length to a standard MRI. We always make sure any new techniques are safe and follow strict guidelines.

Key takeaways

This study aims to make MRI scans better and more useful.
It tests new MRI methods, software, and equipment upgrades.
Participation might involve a short extra scan during a routine MRI or a dedicated research scan.
It's generally safe, with risks similar to a standard MRI.
You help advance medical imaging for future patients.
You can stop participating at any time.

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to take part in this study if you are 18 years old or older. There are a few different ways people can join.

Some people can join if they are already having a routine MRI scan for a health condition and agree to have a small extra scan added to their examination. This extra scan is to test a new technique. Others might join if they have a specific health condition and agree to have a complete MRI scan specifically for this research.

Finally, healthy volunteers can also take part by agreeing to have an MRI scan to help us test these new methods. There are standard reasons why someone might not be able to have an MRI, such as having certain metal implants, and if you are very uncomfortable in small spaces (claustrophobia), this study might not be for you. You will also need to be registered with a GP and have an NHS number to take part as a healthy volunteer.

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?
Are you able to lie still in an MRI scanner?
Do you have an NHS number (if a healthy volunteer)?
Are you comfortable in enclosed spaces?
Do you have any metal implants or devices that might prevent an MRI?
Are you able to provide consent to take part?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part, what you do depends on which part of the study you join. You might have a short, extra scan (no more than 15 minutes) added to a regular MRI scan you're already having. You won't need to come for any extra appointments for this, and you won't be given any additional medication or injections beyond what your doctor has already decided for your routine scan.

If you take part in a different part of the study, you might have a full MRI scan just for the research. This would be similar to a standard MRI scan, usually lasting between 30 to 60 minutes. It would be a separate appointment. We won't give you any new medication for this study. There's no long-term follow-up required for this research.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of taking part is helping to improve MRI technology, which could lead to better diagnoses and treatments for many people in the future. We don't expect you to directly benefit yourself from the new techniques being tested. Any procedures for the study are carefully checked to be safe and within normal MRI safety limits, meaning serious risks are very low. However, as with any MRI, there's a small chance of discomfort, especially for those who feel nervous in enclosed spaces. You are free to change your mind and withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Sutton, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an MRI scan?

An MRI scan uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of organs and structures inside your body.

Will I get extra radiation from this study?

No, MRI scans do not use X-rays or radiation. They are generally considered very safe.

Do I need to do anything special to prepare?

If you're having an additional scan with a routine MRI, you'll follow your doctor's usual instructions. For a research-only scan, specific instructions will be given before your appointment.

Will new medicine be given for this study?

No, this study does not involve giving any new medicines. If you normally get a dye for your routine MRI, you will still receive that if it's indicated.

What happens to my information?

Your medical details and scan results will be kept private and used only for research purposes, following strict confidentiality rules.

How to find out more

Bertha Adjei

bertha.adjei4@rmh.nhs.uk 0208 661 3728 Official trial record

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