MRinRT Swansea University and SWWCC Collaboration Study

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Developing and optimising Magnetic resonance imaging and Spectroscopy for use in Radiotherapy (MRinRT) pathways: Investigating avenues to improve outcomes for patients and the assessment of treatment response.

• IRAS ID

  366294

• Contact name

  Owen Nicholas

• Contact email

  owen.nicholas@wales.nhs.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  Swansea Bay University Health Board

• Duration of Study in the UK

  4 years, 0 months, 0 days

• Research summary

  This study explores whether using MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans improves radiotherapy plans compared to using standard CT (computed tomography) scans alone.
  Specific study questions/aims:
  - Can MRI scan images be improved to make the tumour and normal tissues easier to see for the purposes of radiotherapy planning?
  - Does adding MRI to CT during planning make radiotherapy more precise?
  - Will additional MRIs performed during a course of treatment make it more precise?
  - Explore how MRI scans may predict how tumours respond to treatment, and which patient may experience severe side-effects

  To answer these questions, the study will have several strands or sub-studies.
  Strand 1: Optimising MRI protocols and assessing the effect of MRI in the radiotherapy pathway
  Using scans from healthy/patient volunteers, this sub-study will assess current MRI scanning protocols and adjust them to best suit radiotherapy planning. It will also assess the impact of MRI on how tumours are targeted and defined by the doctor. Patients will also be asked on how well they tolerate the additional MRI scans.
  Strand 2: MRI-adapted radiotherapy
  Radiotherapy is typically planned on a CT scan done several weeks before treatment. Patients will typically have shortened CT scans during treatment but no additional scans are typically done. This sub-study will assess if doing additional MRI scans during treatment makes radiotherapy more precise and therefore potentially more effective and with fewer side-effects.
  Strand 3: Imaging biomarkers
  MRI may be used to predict response to radiotherapy or chance of developing side effects. This study explores potential MRI sequences that may be used as imaging biomarkers, to guide the development of future clinical trials.

  The study will be undertaken at SBUHB, lasting 4 years, and involving ≤15 healthy volunteers and ≤150 patients.

• REC name

  Yorkshire & The Humber - Sheffield Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  26/YH/0031

• Date of REC Opinion

  2 Mar 2026

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion