Focus group - the use of HIFU in the treatment of rectal cancer
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Focus Group exploring the adoption of High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) in Rectal Cancer
IRAS ID
253001
Contact name
Ovuefe Efeotor
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 2 days
Research summary
There are approximately 10,000 newly diagnosed cases of rectal cancer annually within the United Kingdom. The gold standard treatment is surgery to remove the tumour. Primary resection for early stage disease is not without its drawbacks, as even with the widespread use of laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery, many patients are left with significant problems following the life altering surgery. There is a significant risk of long term problems post operation that have considerable impact on quality of life. Anterior resection syndrome affects up to 70% of patents post operatively, with these patients having worse quality of life than unaffected patients. Whilst the cause is not fully understood, it represents a significant burden for these patients with no effective treatment. This highlights the need for alternative/additional treatment options in all stages rectal cancer to improve outcome and reduce morbidity.
High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is a developing treatment modality that utilises focused ultrasound to generate localised areas of necrosis within tissues, with little damage to nearby tissues. It is most currently used to treat prostate cancer and is also being investigated in other types of cancer. There has been little research into the use of HIFU in the treatment of rectal cancer. Before investigating HIFU as a potential treatment for rectal cancer, it is important to consider the potential pitfalls of utilisation of this treatment in the new cohort. The views of the whole multidisciplinary team involved in the treatment of the disease are important in shaping trial design and implementation to help anticipate and navigate technical and clinical problems.
In the present study, we hope to explore ideas regarding the potential application of HIFU in rectal cancer, understanding of current uses of HIFU and any issues identified with the use of HIFU in rectal cancer.REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 1 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/NE/0015
Date of REC Opinion
7 Jan 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion