Micro-CT for renal stones
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Using advanced micro-CT and AI-driven image analysis to generate a renal stone library and evaluate the potential for adjuvant chemolysis
IRAS ID
323760
Contact name
May Bisharat
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Stones that form in the urinary tract (kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra) are a major source of morbidity. Stones can obstruct, leading to infection and kidney damage. In children in particular they may also be the result of underlying genetic disorders that make them prone to repeatedly form stones, some of which are unique to their genetic disorder.
Most stone treatment focuses on education about diet and hydration, medical drugs taken orally to alter urine and reduce stone formation; frequently various forms of urologic surgery to remove/extract stones are needed.
There are two areas of novel interest addressed in this study. The first is an understanding of the ultrastructure of stones - the relationship between different layers of protein, bacteria, and various types of minerals that they are composed of. This has been studied through basic histologic means by stone-specialist pathologists, providing useful clinical context to guide treatment. However, an in-depth evaluation of their 3-dimensional structure has to date not been undertaken. We aim to utilise the new technology of micro-computer-tomography (micro-CT and nano-CT) to create the world's first geologic survey of adult and children's urinary tract stones.
The second question, is how we can improve the outcomes following stone surgery. Most stone procedures involve fracturing of large stones into smaller component fragments, which can be extracted or allowed to be excreted by the patient. These procedures leave microscopic stone fragments that can be the nidus of future stones to form. A type of treatment called percutaneous chemolysis - or dissolving stones with chemicals during their surgery may help reduce this. Using the technique of micro-CT and lab techniques we hope to evaluate this to improve outcomes for patients with urinary tract stones.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/EE/0266
Date of REC Opinion
10 Jan 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion