High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) in Early Rectal Cancer
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Phase I study of High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) in Early Rectal Cancer
IRAS ID
242737
Contact name
Ovuefe Efeotor
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 5 days
Research summary
There are about 40000 new cases of colorectal cancer each year, with rectal cancer accounting for 30% in men and over 20% in women. Treatment of rectal cancer varies depending on how advanced the disease is. Treatment for rectal cancer is not without its complications and so there is a growing need for alternative therapies. High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) has been used in the treatment of prostate cancer, as a non-invasive treatment for the disease. Given how close to each other the prostate and the rectum are, it follows that investigation of using HIFU on rectal cancer is a logical next step. The first steps in assessing the suitability of HIFU to treat rectal cancer is to check that it is safe and establish what effects it has on the rectum. We therefore propose to propose a study involving patients within the NHS with early stage rectal cancer who are due to have an operation to remove the cancer. We will offer them HIFU 7 to 10 days prior to their operation. We will monitor the patients for any side effects and problems. They will then have their operation to remove the cancer as planned. We will look at the specimen to evaluate what effect the HIFU has had on the rectal cancer. The study will last from the time the patients are asked to join the study, until 30 days after they have had the operation to remove their cancer. We anticipate this being approximately 2 months.
REC name
London - Dulwich Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/LO/1427
Date of REC Opinion
5 Nov 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion