RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

MR Imaging Study Using the Northern Alberta Linac-MR (Northern LIGHTs - 1)

This study is looking at a new way to treat cancer using an MRI scanner combined with radiotherapy. Currently, radiotherapy often uses CT scans, which sometimes don't show the cancer clearly enough. MRI scans can give much clearer images, and researchers are working to use these to improve radiotherapy treatments. Eventually, this new technology, called Linac-MR, could guide treatments using only MRI scans. This first part of the study will check if the new Linac-MR system at the Cross Cancer Institute can safely take high-quality MRI pictures. This will help doctors learn how to get the best images to pinpoint cancers for patients receiving treatment in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

AHS Cancer Control Alberta

Enrolment target

250

Start

23 Aug 2021

Estimated completion

01 Jan 2029

Cancer

What is this study about?

When people have cancer, they often need a treatment called radiotherapy, which uses strong beams to target and destroy cancer cells. To do this, doctors need to know exactly where the cancer is. At the moment, they usually use a type of scan called a CT scan.

However, CT scans don't always show the cancer as clearly as doctors would like. Another type of scan, called an MRI scan, can often give much more detailed pictures. Scientists are now trying to use MRI scans to help guide radiotherapy, to make treatments even more precise and effective. Eventually, they hope to use special machines that combine MRI with radiotherapy, called a Linac-MR system.

This study is the very first step to test if a new Linac-MR machine at the Cross Cancer Institute can safely take good quality MRI pictures. The main goal is to find the best ways to use this new machine so that doctors can get the clearest possible images of cancers. This will help them plan and give better, more targeted radiotherapy to patients in the future.

Key takeaways

This study tests a new MRI scanner for radiotherapy.
It aims to improve how doctors see and treat cancer.
You'll have one or more MRI scans, but no treatment.
The scans help learn how to get the best images of cancer.
The goal is better, more precise cancer care in the future.

Who may be eligible?

This study is for adults aged 18 or over. You must be well enough to receive a type of radiotherapy called 'high dose external beam radiation therapy', and your specialist radiotherapy doctor needs to agree to your participation. You also need to be able to understand the study information and agree to take part yourself.

There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. These include if you have anything inside your body that makes MRI scans unsafe, such as certain metal implants. You also need to be able to lie flat and still for about 30-40 minutes during the scan. If you can't give your agreement to take part, you wouldn't be able to join either.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Has your radiotherapy doctor said you are well enough for high-dose radiotherapy?
Do you not have any devices or metals in your body that are unsafe for an MRI?
Can you lie flat and still for up to 40 minutes?
Can you understand the study information and agree to take part?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will have one MRI scan session at the Cross Cancer Institute. This scan will last between 30 and 40 minutes. Towards the end of the study, some patients will be asked if they would like to have up to five more MRI scans, spread out over several days (every two to five days). These extra scans would help the researchers see if the cancer moves between treatment sessions. There is no medication involved, and no follow-up appointments after your scan session(s).

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may not directly benefit you, but it will help us understand how to improve cancer treatment for future patients. MRI scans are generally safe, but there are some risks associated with the strong magnetic fields, especially if you have certain metal implants or devices in your body. You will be carefully checked for these before the scan. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Cross Cancer Institute
Verified postcode
Edmonton, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The main goal is to test a new MRI scanner that works with radiotherapy to see if it can safely take clear pictures of cancer.

Will I receive any treatment as part of this study?

No, this study is only for imaging. You will not receive any cancer treatment during this study.

How long will the MRI scan take?

Each MRI scan session will last between 30 and 40 minutes.

Why is this new machine important?

This new machine could help doctors get clearer images of cancer, potentially leading to more accurate and effective radiotherapy treatments in the future.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you can leave the study at any time without having to give a reason, and it will not affect your medical care.

How to find out more

Nawaid Usmani, MD

nawaid.usmani@ahs.ca 780-432-8518 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.