Using software to measure bone disease on imaging for patients with prostate cancer
When prostate cancer spreads to the bones, doctors usually monitor it with CT scans and bone scans. However, these standard scans do not always clearly show how well a treatment is working. This trial tests a technique called whole-body MRI alongside clever software. Whole-body MRI looks at the entire skeleton in detail without using any radiation. The software quickly measures cancer in the bones and creates a report to help doctors make earlier, clearer decisions about treatment. The study is open to men aged 18 and over who have advanced prostate cancer in the bones and are due to start a new treatment. Taking part involves having up to two extra scans. Your cancer medication will not change because of the study. The findings could help doctors tailor treatments more quickly and avoid men staying on medicines that are not helping.
At a glance
What is this study about?
In advanced prostate cancer, cancer cells often travel to the bones. Doctors routinely check how the cancer is responding to medicines using bone scans and CT scans. While helpful, these scans can take a long time to show clear changes. This can make it difficult for doctors to know quickly if a treatment is working or if it is time to try another option.
This study, called WISER-P, is testing whole-body MRI scans. These scans take detailed 3D pictures of the entire skeleton using magnets and radio waves instead of radiation. They can show changes inside cancer cells much earlier than older scans. Because these scans contain a huge amount of detailed information, reviewing them by eye takes specialists a very long time.
To solve this, researchers are testing an approved computer software programme. The software scans the images automatically, measures where the cancer is in the bones, and gives doctors a clear summary report. Doctors can then review this report during clinic appointments.
By testing the scans and software together, researchers hope to give cancer doctors a faster, more reliable way to see if treatments are working. If successful, this could help future patients switch to better medicines much sooner, avoiding unnecessary side effects from treatments that are no longer effective.
Key takeaways
- Tests whole-body MRI combined with smart software to track prostate cancer in the bones.
- Aims to give doctors faster, clearer information on whether treatments are working.
- Open to men aged 18+ with advanced prostate cancer starting a new treatment.
- Your planned cancer medication and usual NHS care remain exactly the same.
- Involves up to two whole-body MRI scans with no radiation exposure.
Who may be eligible?
This trial is for men aged 18 and over who have advanced prostate cancer that has spread mainly to the bones. To join, your medical team must have already decided that your cancer is progressing and that you need to start a new cancer medicine.
Your recent hospital scans—such as a CT, bone scan, or pelvic MRI done within the last eight weeks—must show that the cancer is predominantly in your bones. Men who have already had a whole-body MRI within six weeks of starting their new treatment may also be able to join.
You will need to feel comfortable having MRI scans, which involve lying still inside a scanner tunnel. Your doctor will make sure you are well enough to take part and can give your informed consent.
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 am a man aged 18 or older.
- I have been diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer.
- My doctors have told me the cancer has spread mainly to my bones.
- My cancer is progressing and I am due to start a new treatment (or have just started).
- I am able and willing to lie still for an MRI scan.
What does participation involve?
Taking part in this study will not change your planned cancer treatment. You will receive the exact medication your doctor has recommended, along with all your routine blood tests and appointments.
You will be asked to have a whole-body MRI scan before you start your new treatment. If you have already had one recently as part of your normal NHS care, you will not need to repeat it. You will then have a second whole-body MRI scan between 8 and 12 weeks after starting your treatment.
Each scan takes place at the hospital. Aside from lying still for the scans, no extra hospital visits are expected. Later on, the research team will check your medical records to see how your health is progressing. The whole trial is scheduled to run until late 2026.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- The Royal Marsden Hospital (surrey)City onlySutton, England
Common questions
Will taking part change my cancer medication?
No. You will receive the exact same cancer treatment chosen by your oncology team. The study only adds specialised scans to see how well that treatment is working.
Are MRI scans safe?
Yes. MRI scans use magnets and radio waves rather than radiation. They are safe and painless, though the machine makes loud tapping noises and requires you to lie still.
What does the computer software do?
The approved software looks at your MRI scan pictures and automatically measures areas of bone disease. It creates a simple summary report to help your doctor review the results faster.
What if I feel claustrophobic in the scanner?
Let the hospital team know beforehand. The radiographers are very experienced, can talk to you through a two-way speaker, and will do everything they can to help you feel at ease.
Do I have to pay to take part?
No. The trial scans are provided free of charge through the study, which is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
How to find out more
Natasha Iles
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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