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AuthorisedTherapeutic use (Phase IV)Interventional

Use of half the iodinated contrast medium for monitoring thoracic neoplasms using spectral CT: Randomized, crossover, non-inferiority clinical trial

This research is investigating a new way to perform CT scans for people with chest cancers. Doctors usually use a special dye called 'contrast medium' to help make the images clearer. This study wants to see if using only half the normal amount of this dye, called Iomeron, still gives clear enough pictures to accurately check on the cancer. They will be looking at things like how well blood vessels and the liver show up on the scans, and whether the overall image quality is good. The aim is to find out if reducing the dye dosage can be just as effective, which could be beneficial for patients.

At a glance

Status
Authorised
Phase
Therapeutic use (Phase IV)
Sponsor
Fundacion De La Comunitat Valenciana Para La Gestion Del Instituto De Investigacion Sanitaria Y Biomedica De Alicante
Enrolment target
52
Start
17 Mar 2026

What is this study about?

When you have a CT scan for a chest condition like cancer, doctors often use a special liquid called a 'contrast medium' or 'dye'. This dye gets injected into your bloodstream and helps certain parts of your body, like blood vessels and organs, show up more clearly on the CT images. This allows doctors to get a better look at what’s happening inside and monitor any changes in your condition.

This particular study is exploring whether using less of this dye during a CT scan would still be just as effective. Specifically, they are testing if using only half the usual amount of a contrast medium called Iomeron still provides clear enough images to accurately monitor chest cancers. They want to make sure that even with less dye, doctors can still see all the important details, such as how blood vessels and organs like the liver appear on the scan, and that the overall picture quality is good.

The main goal is to find out if a lower dose of dye works just as well as the standard dose. If it does, this could be good news for patients, as it might mean less exposure to the dye while still getting excellent diagnostic images. This research is in a later stage (Phase IV), meaning the treatment (the dye) is already approved and widely used, but they are looking at a new way to use it.

Key takeaways

  • Tests if less dye works equally well in CT scans for chest cancers.
  • Aims to reduce patient exposure to contrast agents.
  • Compares image quality between standard and half-dose dye.
  • Open to adults aged 18 and over with chest cancer.
  • Involves receiving different dye amounts during routine CT scans.
  • Could improve future CT scan methods for cancer monitoring.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you would need to be 18 years old or older. There is no upper age limit for joining.

This study is open to both men and women. The main requirement is that you have a type of cancer in your chest area, as the study focuses on monitoring these conditions.

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.

  1. Are you 18 years old or older?
  2. Do you have a type of cancer in your chest area?
  3. Are you willing to have CT scans as part of your monitoring?
  4. Are you able to receive injections of contrast dye?
  5. Are you able to lie still for a CT scan?
Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you would essentially be undergoing CT scans as part of your normal monitoring for your chest cancer. The key difference is that during these scans, you would receive either the usual amount of the contrast dye or half the usual amount, in a way that is randomly decided. Because it's a 'crossover' study, at a different scan appointment, you would receive the other amount (if you received half the first time, you'd get the full amount later, and vice-versa). The study will compare the images from both scans. Beyond the CT procedures themselves, which involve the injection of the dye and lying still in the scanner, there aren't many other specific study visits or assessments listed, suggesting it integrates closely with existing care. The total duration would depend on your treatment plan and how often your monitoring scans are scheduled.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of this study could be contributing to knowledge that might lead to using less contrast dye in the future, which could reduce exposure for patients while maintaining quality imaging. As with any medical procedure, there are some potential risks associated with CT scans and contrast dye injections, such as allergic reactions or discomfort at the injection site, though these are usually mild and rare. You should discuss any personal medical history that might increase your risk with the study team. Remember, taking part in any clinical trial is always voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

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

Common questions

What is 'contrast medium'?

It's a special dye injected into your body before a CT scan to help parts like blood vessels and organs show up more clearly on the images.

Why use half the amount of dye?

The study wants to see if a lower dose is just as effective in showing clear images, which could be beneficial for patients by reducing their exposure to the dye.

Will my doctors still get good images of my cancer?

That's exactly what the study is trying to find out! They are comparing image quality from both full and half doses to ensure accuracy is maintained.

What does 'crossover' mean in this study?

It means you will receive both the half dose and the full dose of the dye at different times during your scans, allowing doctors to compare the results directly in the same person.

Is this a new type of dye?

No, the dye (Iomeron) is already approved and commonly used. This study is looking at a different way of using it (a lower dose).

How to find out more

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

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