RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Can Imaging be an Alternative to Exercise Testing as a Predictor of Surgical Fitness?

This study aims to discover a new, potentially gentler way to check if patients are fit enough for significant surgery, especially for stomach, gullet (oesophageal), or pancreas cancer. These operations demand a lot from the body, so doctors need to be sure patients can cope. Traditionally, patients do a demanding exercise test on a bike. This study is testing if a special type of scan, called Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS), which measures fat in a thigh muscle, could be a good alternative. The goal is to find a method that might be easier for patients, especially those who find exercise tests difficult or impossible, ensuring they receive the best care before their operation.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust

Enrolment target

Start

06 Jan 2025

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2026

Surgical Fitness Imaging

What is this study about?

When someone needs major surgery for cancers like those in the stomach, gullet, or pancreas, doctors need to be very sure their body can handle the operation and recover well. These surgeries are very tough. Usually, doctors assess this by asking patients to do a special exercise test on a bike. You pedal harder and harder until you can't go on. This test measures how well your heart and lungs work under strain – a bit like checking your body's 'engine power'. While this test is good, it can be very difficult or even impossible for some patients due to their physical condition or other health issues. It also takes up a lot of time and resources.

This study is looking into a different method: using a special type of scan called Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS). This scan is similar to an MRI, but it looks at specific things like the amount of fat in your thigh muscle. The idea is that the amount of fat in your muscle might be a sign of how generally fit your body is, and therefore, how well you might cope with surgery. This wouldn't involve any strenuous exercise, making it potentially much easier for patients.

The study is split into two parts. First, they will involve patients who are already going through the usual checks for stomach, gullet, or pancreas cancer surgery. These patients will do their normal exercise test AND have the new MRS scan. The researchers will then compare the results from the scan with the results from the exercise test to see if they match up. If they do, it suggests the MRS scan could be a reliable way to check fitness. The second part involves healthy volunteers who will have repeated MRS scans over time to make sure the scan results are consistent and trustworthy. Ultimately, the hope is to find an easier, alternative way to assess surgical fitness, especially beneficial for those who can't do the traditional exercise test.

Key takeaways

Exploring an easier way to check fitness for major cancer surgery.
Compares a special scan (MRS) to traditional exercise bike tests.
MRS measures fat in thigh muscle as a sign of fitness.
Aims to help patients who find exercise tests too difficult.
Might lead to a new option for pre-surgery assessment.
Does not affect current treatment plans or surgery decisions.

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to take part if you are an adult (18 or older) and have been diagnosed with stomach, gullet (oesophageal), or pancreatic cancer, and your doctor is considering or has already referred you for an exercise fitness test before surgery. You need to be able to understand the study and agree to take part, and be an existing patient at the UHNM hospital.

However, some reasons might mean you can't take part. For example, if you have certain metal implants in your body or are very claustrophobic, as the study involves an MRI-like scan. You also can't participate if you are pregnant, have diabetes, or if doing the extra scan would delay your planned treatment in any way. You would also need to be able to communicate in English to ensure you fully understand everything about the study.

There's also a separate part of the study for staff volunteers from UHNM. If you're a staff member, over 18, and don't have any medical conditions relevant to the scan area, or any MRI safety issues, you might be able to participate in a different part of the study that helps check the scan's reliability.

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 stomach, gullet (oesophageal), or pancreas cancer?
Are you being considered for or already referred for a pre-surgery exercise test?
Can you have an MRI-type scan (no certain metal implants, not severely claustrophobic)?
Are you an existing patient at UHNM?
Are you not pregnant and do not have diabetes?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part as a patient, you will continue with your usual pre-surgery assessments, including the exercise test on a bike. On the same day, or very close to it, you will also have an extra scan called an MRS. This scan is similar to an MRI and will measure fat levels in your thigh muscle. You won't need to take any special medication or have follow-up visits specifically for this study beyond your regular medical care. The extra scan should not add significant time overall to your treatment pathway. For staff volunteers, you would have several MRS scans over a period to help the researchers check how consistent the scan results are.

Potential risks and benefits

The main potential benefit of this study is helping to find a new, less physically demanding way to check if patients are fit for surgery. This could make the process easier and more accessible for many people, especially those who struggle with exercise tests. For you personally, participating means you'll have an extra scan, which isn't part of your routine care. The risks associated with the MRS scan are generally similar to those of a standard MRI, which are very low for most people but include potential issues with certain metal implants or claustrophobia. You are always 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.

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust
Verified postcode
Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is MRS?

MRS is a special type of scan, similar to an MRI, that measures specific things in your body, like the amount of fat in your muscle, without using X-rays.

Why is this being studied?

The study hopes to find an easier way to check if patients are strong enough for major surgery, especially for people who find traditional exercise tests too difficult.

Will this change my surgery plan?

No, this study is about exploring a new assessment method. It won't change your planned surgery or standard pre-surgery checks.

Is the MRS scan uncomfortable?

The MRS scan is generally comfortable, similar to an MRI. You'll lie still, and it doesn't involve any physical exercise.

Who is running this study?

This study is being run by researchers looking for better ways to prepare patients for major operations.

How to find out more

Aviva Ogbolosingha

aviva.ogbolosingha@uhnm.nhs.uk 01782 675380 Official trial record

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