Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

MRI Screening of Second Primary Cancer Occurring Within Radiation Fields After Treatment by External Beam Radiation Therapy for Hereditary Retinoblastoma (DepiSCARRH)

This study is investigating if regular MRI scans are a good way to find new cancers early in people who had a specific type of eye cancer called hereditary retinoblastoma. These are people who were treated with radiation therapy as children. We know that these patients have a higher risk of developing another cancer in the areas that were exposed to radiation. The main goal is to see if finding these small, new cancers before any symptoms appear can help patients get better treatment sooner. This study aims to understand if this early detection truly makes a difference to their long-term health. If you or someone you know had hereditary retinoblastoma and radiation treatment, this study might be relevant.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Institut Curie

Enrolment target

Start

19 Mar 2017

Estimated completion

01 Mar 2034

Hereditary Retinoblastoma

What is this study about?

When young children have a specific type of eye cancer called hereditary retinoblastoma, a treatment option can be radiation therapy. While this treatment is very effective at saving their sight and lives, the areas of the body that received radiation can have a higher chance of developing another type of cancer later in life. These new cancers are called 'second primary cancers'.

This study focuses on whether using MRI scans can help find these second primary cancers very early. An MRI is a special type of scan that uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures inside your body. The researchers want to know if these scans can spot any new cancers when they are still very small and before they cause any symptoms. Finding cancer early can sometimes lead to more effective treatment and better outcomes.

Ultimately, the study aims to understand if regularly doing these MRI scans for people who are at higher risk is truly beneficial for their health in the long run. By finding cancers earlier, doctors hope to offer treatment sooner and improve the chances of a good recovery. The information from this study could help doctors decide if routine MRI screening should be part of the care for people who've had hereditary retinoblastoma treated with radiation.

Key takeaways

Tests if MRI can find new cancers early after retinoblastoma radiation.
For people who had hereditary retinoblastoma and radiation treatment.
Aims to improve outcomes through early detection.
Requires regular MRI scans and follow-up.
You can stop participating at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for people who had a specific type of eye cancer called hereditary retinoblastoma. This means you either had a family history of retinoblastoma, retinoblastoma in both eyes, multiple tumours in one eye, or a known genetic change linked to the condition. You must have been treated for your retinoblastoma with radiation therapy.

You also need to be at least 7 years old when you join the study, and it must have been at least 5 years since you finished your radiation treatment. Before joining, you (or your legal guardian if you're under 18) will need to read and sign a consent form.

There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if your retinoblastoma was only in one eye, wasn't genetic, and you don't have a specific gene fault. You also can't have already had another cancer develop in the areas that were radiated. If you have a medical device that isn't safe for MRI scans, like a pacemaker, or if you have difficulty attending follow-up appointments due to where you live or other personal reasons, you 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.

Did you have hereditary retinoblastoma (e.g., in both eyes or a family history)?
Were you treated with radiation therapy for your retinoblastoma?
Are you at least 7 years old?
Has it been at least 5 years since your radiation treatment ended?
Do you not have a pacemaker or other device that makes MRI unsafe?
Have you not had a second cancer in the radiated area already?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

We don’t have all the details about what your participation would involve right now, such as the exact number of visits or how long the study might last in total. However, based on the study's aim, it is likely that taking part would involve having regular MRI scans of your head and neck (or central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord). These scans are designed to look for any signs of new cancers.

You would visit a specialist centre for these scans and any necessary follow-up appointments. There wouldn't be any new medications given as part of this study; the main focus is on the MRI scans. You would also need to be able to attend all required appointments for the duration of your involvement in the study.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of taking part is the possibility of finding any new cancers very early, potentially before they cause symptoms. This early detection could lead to quicker treatment and potentially better health outcomes. However, it's also important to know that MRI scans can sometimes find things that turn out not to be serious, which might lead to extra tests and worry. There are also very small risks associated with MRI scans themselves, such as claustrophobia or, for a very small number of people, allergic reactions to the dye used in some scans (though dye isn't always part of every MRI). You are completely free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Institut Curie
Verified postcode
Paris, France

Common questions

What is hereditary retinoblastoma?

It's a type of eye cancer that usually affects young children and runs in families or involves genetic changes, often affecting both eyes.

What does 'external beam radiation therapy' mean?

It's a type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy beams to precisely target and kill cancer cells in a specific area of the body.

What is an MRI scan?

An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a special scan that uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of organs and structures inside your body.

Why is early detection important?

Finding new cancers when they are very small and before symptoms appear can often make them easier to treat and improve the chances of a good recovery.

Will I have to pay to be in the study?

No, you should not have to pay to participate in a clinical trial. Any study-related tests or appointments would typically be covered by the study.