RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

To Determine Whether it is Feasible to Treat Patients Requiring Urgent Radiotherapy Diagnosed With Metastatic Cord Compression (MSCC) on the Magnetic Resonance Linear Accelerator (MRL) in a Single Appointment and Compare it to the Standard of Care Radiotherapy Pathway

This research is testing a new way to give radiotherapy for a condition called metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC). MSCC happens when cancer spreads to the spine and presses on the nerves. Normally, patients need two appointments: one for a planning scan and another for the actual radiotherapy. This study uses a special machine called an MR Linac to combine these into a single, one-hour visit. The main goal is to see if this new approach can treat patients faster and more efficiently, within 24 hours of deciding on treatment. They'll compare how this single-visit treatment works against the usual two-visit method, looking at things like treatment time, patient satisfaction, and overall well-being up to a year later. It's about finding the best way to help patients quickly.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

The Christie NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

Start

04 Nov 2025

Estimated completion

04 Nov 2028

Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression

What is this study about?

This study is looking into a better way to treat a condition called metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC). This happens when cancer spreads to the bones of the spine and puts pressure on the spinal cord, which can cause pain or problems with movement. It's a serious condition that needs quick treatment.

Currently, if you need radiotherapy for MSCC, you usually have two separate appointments. The first is for a special planning scan (a CT scan) to help the doctors precisely target the treatment area. The second appointment is for the actual radiotherapy. This whole process can sometimes take a few days, and guidelines recommend that treatment should ideally start within 24 hours of a doctor deciding it's needed.

This study wants to see if a newer machine, called an MR Linac, can make this process faster and simpler. The MR Linac is special because it can do a detailed scan and deliver radiotherapy all in one go. The study will test if it's possible to treat patients with MSCC in just one single appointment, lasting about an hour, using this MR Linac. They aim to find out if this can reduce the waiting time from when a doctor decides on treatment to when you actually receive it, potentially making treatment quicker and more comfortable for patients by reducing the number of hospital visits. They will compare this single-visit method with the standard two-visit approach.

Key takeaways

Tests a new fast radiotherapy method for spinal cord compression.
Aims to treat patients in one visit instead of two.
Uses a special machine called an MR Linac.
Compares this new method to standard care.
Could mean quicker treatment and fewer hospital trips.
Participation involves questionnaires and note review.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you would generally need to be at least 18 years old and have a confirmed diagnosis of metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC).

If you're interested, you'd need to be willing to fill out a short questionnaire about your experience and allow the study team to look at your medical notes for up to a year after treatment. It's important that you're able to understand and agree to take part.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join, especially when it comes to the MR Linac treatment. For example, if you have certain metal implants that mean you can't have an MRI scan, or if your MSCC is in a specific part of your neck (cervical spine), or if more than one level of your spine is affected by the compression, you might not be suitable for the new MR Linac treatment arm. The study team will check all of these details with you.

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 confirmed metastatic spinal cord compression?
Are you able to agree to take part?
Are you willing to complete a short survey about your experience?
Do you have any metal implants that might affect an MRI scan (if considering the new treatment)?
Is your spinal compression in the cervical (neck) area or more than one spot (if considering the new treatment)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll either receive treatment on the new MR Linac in a single visit, or you'll follow the standard approach of a planning CT scan on one day and radiotherapy on another. Both groups will receive the same type of radiotherapy – a single dose of 8Gray (Gy) to the affected part of your spine.

Before treatment, you might be asked to complete a short, anonymous questionnaire about yourself to help the researchers understand the different backgrounds of people in the study. After your treatment, you'll be asked to fill out another questionnaire about your experience. Once these questionnaires are complete, your active participation in the trial finishes. However, the research team will continue to look at your medical notes for up to 12 months to see how you are doing and how well you are functioning. There are no extra medications involved in this study.

Potential risks and benefits

One potential benefit of this new approach could be faster access to radiotherapy for MSCC, possibly leading to quicker relief from symptoms and fewer hospital visits. However, with any new medical process, there's always a chance of unforeseen issues. For example, for the MR Linac part of the study, there are specific checks to ensure you can safely have an MRI, as some people can't tolerate them. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

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

The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Manchester, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC)?

It's when cancer spreads to the bones of your spine and presses on your spinal cord, which can cause pain or problems with movement.

What is an MR Linac?

It's a special machine that combines an MRI scanner with a radiotherapy machine, allowing doctors to scan and treat at the same time.

Will I get the same radiotherapy dose in both treatment groups?

Yes, all participants will receive the same dose of radiotherapy (8Gray in one treatment).

How long will I be involved in the study?

Your active involvement will be mainly around your treatment and completing a questionnaire. After that, researchers will monitor your medical notes for up to 12 months.

Will my personal details be kept private?

Yes, any questionnaires you fill out for diversity monitoring will be anonymous, and all your personal data will be handled confidentially.

How to find out more

Clinical Trial Radiographer

the-christie.radiotherapyclinicaltrials@nhs.net +441614468386 Official trial record

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