NaRNIA v1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Sodium (23Na) MRI for tumour characterisation and assessment of therapy response in breast cancer
IRAS ID
260281
Contact name
Fiona J Gilbert
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS foundation Trust and the University of Cambridge
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive imaging method that uses magnetic fields and radio-waves together with the hydrogen that exists in water and fat in the body to produce detailed images of internal organs. This study aims to use a novel method involving MRI and sodium, which is a type of salt that occurs naturally in the body. We wish to test the ability of this new MRI technique to picture the sodium content of breast cancers, as researchers believe that this can give more information about the structure of and the make-up of tumours. To verify the information we will be getting from the images, we will be comparing them with the results from analysing tumour tissue in the laboratory.
We also optionally wish to combine the images from the sodium MRI with the results from a positron emission tomography imaging examination. PET works by detecting the radiation given off by a short-lived radioactive substance, typically a sugar, that is injected into the patient. As cancer cells can absorb more of this radioactive sugar than normal cells, PET can provide pictures of these tumours based on their chemistry (metabolism). The PET scans can show the function of tumours and organs better than other imaging tests and are commonly used in hospitals to investigate cancers and how they respond to treatment. By combining the information, we get from the sodium MRI and PET, we wish to build up a much clearer picture of how breast cancers function.
The aim is that this study will allow us to better understand the make-up of breast cancer. Information about the sodium content of tumours may help predict the outcome of breast cancer treatment and help doctors to decide the best course of treatment for each patient.
REC name
West Midlands - Black Country Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/WM/0196
Date of REC Opinion
4 Jul 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion