Diagnostic MRI mapping of lung tumour blood flow and vessel complexity
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluation of a new analysis of dIagnostic Mri scans that maPs lUng tumour blood fLow and veSsel complExity. IMPULSE study
IRAS ID
367488
Contact name
Paul H S Shaw
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Velindre University NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 28 days
Research summary
When doctors treat lung cancer, understanding the blood supply within a tumour is crucial. This network of tiny blood vessels fuels the tumour’s growth and can influence how well it responds to treatments like chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Using a special type of MRI scan called intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM), we can see this microscopic blood flow without any needles or dye. While this technique has been around for a while, the information it provides has been somewhat basic and not always reliable enough.
We plan to use new, advanced computer methods to get more detailed information from these same MRI scans. Inspired by recent scientific breakthroughs, these methods act like a "virtual microscope." They allow us to translate the MRI signal into detailed maps of the tumour’s blood vessel system. Instead of just getting a general sense of blood flow, we can now estimate the actual rate of blood flow through the vessels and even measure how complex and branched the vessel network is. A disorganized vessel structure is a known sign of an aggressive tumour.
We will implement this advanced MRI scanning technique on our clinical scanner at Velindre Cancer Centre, recruiting a group of lung cancer patients to undergo this special scan. Using the new computer analysis methods, we will create detailed maps of their tumours, showing the blood flow rate and vessel complexity.
The goal of this initial study is to prove that this process is feasible in a real-world hospital. We will check that we can acquire good quality scans and that the analysis produces clear and reliable maps of the tumour’s blood supply. Success in this study will open the door to using this powerful new tool in future research to see how well tumours respond to treatment, potentially helping doctors make better informed decisions for individual patients.
REC name
Wales REC 6
REC reference
26/WA/0110
Date of REC Opinion
6 May 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion