RecruitingObservational

WISER-M: Developing software to measure bone disease on imaging for patients with multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that often affects the bones. Doctors can use whole-body MRI scans to check how much bone damage is present, but reading these detailed images can take a long time and results can vary between specialists. Because of this, only a small number of NHS hospitals routinely offer these scans. The WISER-M study aims to solve this by developing a smart computer software program. The software helps doctors spot and accurately measure areas of myeloma in the bones on MRI images. To train and test the software, researchers are using whole-body MRI scans and medical records already taken from patients over the last eight years. Because this study only reviews past scans and health data, patients do not need to attend extra appointments, take new drugs, or have any extra tests.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Institute of Cancer Research

Enrolment target

260

Start

01 Oct 2024

Estimated completion

31 Oct 2026

Multiple myeloma

What is this study about?

Multiple myeloma is a cancer that develops from plasma cells in the bone marrow and frequently causes painful or weakened bones. UK health guidelines recommend using whole-body MRI scans to look for signs of bone damage. Even though these scans give doctors a clear, detailed picture without using radiation, only about one in ten NHS centres uses them regularly. One major reason is that reading these large scans takes a lot of time and requires specialist training, and different radiologists might describe the results slightly differently.

The WISER-M study aims to make whole-body MRI scans easier and quicker to interpret by building a dedicated computer program. A similar software tool has already been successfully created for prostate cancer. Researchers now want to teach the software how to spot and measure bone damage caused specifically by myeloma. By automatically highlighting areas of disease, the software could help doctors deliver quicker, more consistent results.

To make sure the tool works safely and accurately, scientists need to train and test it on real NHS scans. They are gathering past scans from about 260 patients with myeloma across several hospitals. If successful, this project could help more NHS hospitals adopt whole-body MRI scans, leading to earlier detection and better-tailored treatment plans for people living with myeloma.

Key takeaways

WISER-M is developing computer software to help doctors spot and measure myeloma bone disease on MRI scans.
The project only uses scans and health information that have already been collected during routine NHS care over the past eight years.
Patients do not need to attend extra visits, have new tests, or change their medications.
All health data and scans are stripped of identifying personal details to ensure patient privacy.
The goal is to help more NHS hospitals provide high-quality whole-body MRI scans for people with myeloma.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking at information from adults and children of any age who have a confirmed diagnosis of multiple myeloma. To be included, the person must have had a routine whole-body MRI scan as part of their standard NHS care within the past eight years, either when they were first diagnosed or during their treatment.

The scan itself must have used specific technical camera settings that measure water and fat in the bone marrow. The images also need to show at least two clear areas of active myeloma bone disease.

Patients cannot be included if their past MRI pictures are blurry or not of high enough quality for the software to read properly. Because researchers only look at existing medical files, patients do not need to sign up for any new scans.

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.

I have a confirmed diagnosis of multiple myeloma.
I have had a whole-body MRI scan as part of my normal NHS care in the last 8 years.
My scan was clear enough for doctors to spot areas of bone disease.
I receive care at an NHS hospital participating in the study.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part in this study requires no active visits or lifestyle changes. It is a 'retrospective' study, which means researchers look back at medical data and scans that have already been collected as part of your normal hospital care.

There are no extra hospital appointments, no needles, and no study medicines to take. You will not have to undergo any additional imaging or follow-up checks.

If your records are chosen, your local hospital care team will remove your name, address, and any other personal details. They replace your details with a unique code number before sharing the scans with the study team at the Institute of Cancer Research. The study is scheduled to run until late 2026.

Potential risks and benefits

Because the study only uses existing records and scans, there are no physical risks, side effects, or changes to your current medical care. There is a tiny theoretical risk to data privacy whenever health records are shared, but your information is protected by strict NHS confidentiality rules and is stripped of your personal identity before researchers see it. Taking part will not directly change your own treatment, but it could help future myeloma patients benefit from faster and more accurate NHS scans. As with all health research, you have the right to ask your hospital team not to include your records in research projects without it affecting your ongoing care.

Locations (4)

The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
City only
London, England
Royal Derby Hospital
Approximate
Derby, England
Glan Clwd Hospital
City only
Rhyl, Wales
Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital
Approximate
Basingstoke, England

Common questions

Do I have to go to hospital for an extra scan?

No. The study only uses whole-body MRI scans that you have already had as part of your regular NHS care in the last eight years.

Will taking part change my current cancer treatment?

No. Because this study looks back at scans from the past, it will not change your current medicines, appointments, or treatment plan.

Will the researchers know who I am?

No. Your local NHS hospital team will remove all personal details like your name and address before sending any scans or information to the research team.

Why is whole-body MRI not used in every hospital?

Whole-body MRI takes specialist expertise and time to read. The software being developed in this study aims to make interpreting the scans easier so more NHS hospitals can offer them.

Does this trial involve testing new drugs?

No. WISER-M is not testing any drugs. It is solely focused on developing computer software to help doctors read scans more reliably.

How to find out more

Natasha Iles

WISER-icrctsu@icr.ac.uk +44 208 722 4606 Official trial record

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