Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

FAZA PET/MRI Pancreas

This study is looking into a new way to scan for pancreatic cancer that can't be removed with surgery. It uses a special scan called FAZA PET-MRI. This scan helps find areas within the tumour that have low oxygen levels, known as hypoxia. Doctors believe understanding these low oxygen areas could help improve how pancreatic cancer is treated in the future. The study will involve up to 20 patients, who will have these scans before and after their usual radiation treatment. Researchers will also check in with patients after their scans to make sure they are feeling well.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Health Network, Toronto

Enrolment target

Start

18 May 2021

Estimated completion

01 Mar 2027

Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Non-resectable Locally Advanced Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Unresectable Pancreatic Cancer

What is this study about?

This study is designed to explore a new scanning method for pancreatic cancer, specifically for tumours that cannot be removed by surgery. The main aim is to find out if a special type of scan, called FAZA PET-MRI, can effectively detect areas in the tumour that have very low oxygen levels. These low oxygen areas are known as 'hypoxia'.

Identifying hypoxia is important because it can affect how well cancer treatments work. Doctors believe that if they can accurately map these low oxygen zones, it might help them tailor treatments more precisely to each patient, potentially making therapies more effective. Current methods for finding hypoxia in tumours aren't always easy to use in regular hospital care, so this study is looking for a simpler and more reliable way.

The information gathered from these special scans could help doctors understand your specific tumour better. This could lead to adapting existing treatments or developing new ones that specifically target these low oxygen areas in the future. Ultimately, the goal is to improve how we manage pancreatic cancer for patients whose tumours cannot be surgically removed.

Key takeaways

This study uses a special scan (FAZA PET-MRI) to find low oxygen areas in pancreatic cancer.
It's for people with pancreatic cancer that can't be removed by surgery and hasn’t spread.
The aim is to help doctors understand cancer better and improve future treatments.
You will have two scans and receive follow-up calls to check on you.
Your standard cancer treatment will not be changed by this study.
Participation could help others in the future by advancing medical knowledge.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or over. You might be able to join if you have pancreatic cancer that cannot be removed by surgery and hasn’t spread to other parts of your body. Your doctors will have determined this based on your scans and assessments.

Even if you've already had some treatment for your pancreatic cancer, you might still be able to join if your cancer is still localised and can't be removed. You also need to be generally well enough to take part in the study activities.

However, you can't join if you've had radiation treatment to your upper tummy area before, have very early-stage cancer that could be removed by surgery, or have cancer that has spread. Also, if you have certain medical conditions or can't have an MRI scan for any reason, you 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 18 years old or older?
Do you have pancreatic cancer that your doctors say can't be removed by surgery and hasn’t spread?
Can you have an MRI scan safely (no metal in your body, for example)?
Are you able to attend appointments for two scans?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll have two special FAZA PET-MRI scans. One scan will happen before you start your standard radiation treatment, and the second scan will be after your radiation treatment is complete. The FAZA is a special, safe substance given before the scan to help show specific things in the body.

After each scan, the study team will call you within 48 hours to check in and make sure you haven't experienced any side effects and are feeling well. You won't be given any new medications specifically for this study, but your regular cancer treatments will continue as planned by your doctors. The total duration of your participation will depend on the timing of your radiation treatment and follow-up calls.

Potential risks and benefits

By taking part, you could help doctors learn more about how to better treat pancreatic cancer in the future, particularly for tumours that can't be removed by surgery. This improved understanding might not directly benefit you, but it could help others. As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks, mainly linked to the FAZA PET-MRI scan itself. These risks will be fully explained by the study team before you consent. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your ongoing medical care.

Locations (1)

Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada

Common questions

What is FAZA?

FAZA is a special, safe substance that helps the PET scan show areas in your tumour that have low oxygen levels.

What is hypoxia?

Hypoxia means there are areas in the tumour with very low oxygen. This can make some cancer treatments less effective.

Will this study change my cancer treatment?

No, this study is about gathering information. Your cancer treatment will continue as planned by your doctors, independent of this study.

Are there any needles involved?

Yes, for the FAZA substance to be given before the PET-MRI scan, you will need an injection.

How many times will I have the scan?

You will have two FAZA PET-MRI scans: one before and one after your radiation treatment.