Triggered Imaging in Glioblastoma Based on Clinical Outcome Evaluation Compared to Routine: a Feasibility Study
This study, for people with a type of brain tumour called glioblastoma, is testing a new way to decide when patients need a scan. Instead of only having scans at set times, some patients will fill out weekly online forms about their symptoms. If these symptoms are serious or get worse, it could 'trigger' an earlier scan. The study wants to see if this method, compared to the usual scanning schedule, can help doctors respond more quickly to changes in a patient's condition. It's a small, initial study to check if this approach is practical and helpful for patients living with glioblastoma and its treatments. It aims to improve how doctors care for patients by potentially catching problems sooner.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is for people who have recently been diagnosed with a type of brain tumour called glioblastoma. Normally, after treatment, patients have MRI scans at regular, set times to check how their tumour is doing. This study is testing a new idea: what if scans were also triggered by a patient's own symptoms?
The research wants to see if it's possible and useful to give patients weekly online symptom questionnaires. Based on their answers, if certain 'red flag' symptoms appear or symptoms become more severe, it could lead to an earlier MRI scan. For example, if someone reports new or much worse headaches, eyesight problems, or confusion, the study would check if that's a good reason to get a scan sooner than planned. This is compared to the current system, where scans generally happen on a fixed timetable.
The main goal of this particular study is to see if this 'triggered imaging' approach is practical and feasible. It's like a test run to check if the online questionnaires work well, if patients find them easy to use, and if the system correctly identifies when an early scan might be needed. If successful, this new method could potentially help doctors spot changes in the tumour or new problems sooner, leading to quicker adjustments to a patient's care.
Key takeaways
- This study is for newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients.
- It tests if patient symptoms can help decide when to schedule scans.
- Participation involves either standard care or standard care plus weekly online symptom reports.
- The aim is to see if this new approach is practical and could lead to earlier detection of changes.
- No new medications are given; it's about scan scheduling.
- You need internet access and an email to participate in one part of the study.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you would need to be an adult between 18 and 70 years old who has recently been diagnosed with glioblastoma. You must be planning to have a standard treatment known as the Stupp regimen and be receiving your care at either King's College Hospital (KCH) or Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital (GSTT).
It's important that you don't have any reasons why you can't have an MRI scan, and you need to have internet access and an email account so you can complete the weekly online questionnaires. You also need to be able to read and understand English.
You won't be able to join if your diagnosis isn't certain, if your treatment plan is different from the Stupp regimen, or if you're already in another study that involves taking a new treatment. If you can't understand or consent to the study, or if your physical ability to do daily tasks is very limited, you also wouldn't be able to take part.
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.
- I am between 18 and 70 years old.
- I have recently been diagnosed with glioblastoma.
- I am planning to receive the standard 'Stupp regimen' treatment.
- I am being treated at King's College Hospital (KCH) or Guy's and St Thomas' (GSTT).
- I have internet access and an email account.
- I can read and understand English.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you would be randomly put into one of two groups. One group would follow the usual schedule for MRI scans. The other group would still have standard care but would also be asked to complete a weekly online questionnaire about their symptoms.
These questionnaires would take around 10-15 minutes each week. If your answers trigger a 'red flag' or severe symptoms, you might be asked to have an early MRI scan. There are no extra hospital visits beyond your usual appointments, unless an early scan is triggered. The study runs alongside your normal treatment and follow-up, and there are no new medications involved. The total length of your participation would depend on your individual treatment and follow-up plan, but it would involve consistent weekly symptom reporting in the 'triggered imaging' group for a period.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- KCHVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is glioblastoma?
Glioblastoma is a serious type of brain tumour. This study focuses on people newly diagnosed with this condition.
What does 'triggered imaging' mean?
It means getting an MRI scan not just at a set time, but also if your symptoms get worse or show new 'red flags' that you report online.
Will I get different treatment in this study?
No, both groups in the study receive the standard glioblastoma treatment. The study is only looking at how scans are scheduled or triggered.
Do I have to do online questionnaires?
Only if you are in the group testing the 'triggered imaging' method. This involves completing them weekly via the internet.
What if I can't access the internet?
To take part in the study, you need to have internet access and an email account for the online questionnaires.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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