Use of MRI in radical prostate radiotherapy
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Use of multi-parametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in radical prostate radiotherapy
IRAS ID
150305
Contact name
Andrew McPartlin
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Manchester
Research summary
Multi-parametric is a specialised MRI technique able to detect changes in blood flow and in cells within tumours. Recent studies in head and neck and brain cancer suggest that data collected using this technique could, in combination with other clinical information, help predict outcomes after treatment.
In this pilot study, 15 locally-advanced prostate cancer patients receiving radical radiotherapy at Christie hospital will be recruited to undergo 3 multi-parametric MRI scans: one before, one during, and one after radiotherapy treatment. The imaging data gathered over the three visits will then be correlated with patient-reported toxicity and reduction in tumour volume at 8 weeks after radiotherapy. It is hoped that MRI parameters found to be in correlation with the chosen outcomes will be used in a subsequent, larger cohort, where associations with longer-term treatment outcomes will be investigated. Finding a way to identify, early during treatment, those patients who will in the long-term not respond or will be more susceptible to radiotherapy will allow planning of better, more effective treatment regimens, potentially improving outcomes and minimising treatment-related toxicity.
Participants will remain in the study for approximately 14 weeks (their first scan will be taken approximately in the 2 weeks before start of radiotherapy; the last one will be taken 8 weeks after radiotherapy). Patients will also be asked to complete a toxicity questionnaire after each of the 3 scans.
The images obtained will also be used to explore ways in which they can be combined into a single image with the patient’s CT scans (taken as standard of care). Fusing the scans might provide a superior imaging that can be applied for better planning and delivery of radiotherapy.
REC name
Wales REC 5
REC reference
14/WA/1074
Date of REC Opinion
18 Jul 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion