Improving diagnosis and treatment for patients with rectal cancer
This study aims to make diagnosis and treatment better for people with cancer in the back passage, known as rectal cancer. We're investigating if a special type of MRI scan, reported by trained experts, can provide more accurate information about the cancer's stage. This information helps doctors decide on the best treatment for you, such as surgery or other therapies. The study will look at your diagnosis and treatment information, and you'll be asked to share your experiences through questionnaires during your hospital visits. While there's no direct benefit to you, your participation could help us improve care for people with rectal cancer in the future. The study is run by Imperial College London and funded by NHS England and the Pelican Cancer Foundation.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When someone is diagnosed with cancer in the back passage (rectal cancer), doctors need to work out its stage. Staging helps them understand how serious the cancer is, how likely it is to come back, and what treatments might work best. This often involves scans like an MRI.
This study is looking into whether a new, more detailed way of reading MRI scans can give doctors better information about the cancer. This special way of reporting MRI scans focuses on specific features of the cancer that might predict how it will behave. The goal is to see if this new method can improve how accurately doctors predict a patient's outlook and guide the most effective treatment plan.
We hope that by using these improved scans, doctors can make more informed decisions about treatments before surgery, and ultimately, improve the care and outcomes for patients with rectal cancer. Although this is a research study, you will continue to receive the best possible standard care from your local medical team, just as you would normally.
Key takeaways
- Aims to improve diagnosis and treatment for rectal cancer.
- Uses special MRI scans to get better cancer information.
- No changes to your standard medical care.
- Involves sharing your medical information and filling in questionnaires.
- Participation could help future patients with rectal cancer.
- Study runs from June 2025 to May 2031.
Who may be eligible?
To take part in this study, you need to be an adult, aged 16 or older, and have received a diagnosis of rectal cancer that has been confirmed by a biopsy or after surgery. Your doctors must also be able to send us your MRI scans and related reports for our team to review.
You cannot take part if your rectal cancer has already spread to other parts of your body in a way that means it can't be removed with surgery, or if you are only receiving treatment to manage your symptoms (palliative care). Also, if your rectal cancer is not a common type called adenocarcinoma, or if you can't have an MRI scan for medical reasons, you won't be able to join the study.
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 16 years old or older?
- Have you been diagnosed with rectal cancer?
- Can your hospital share your MRI scans and reports for review?
- Has your cancer not spread to other parts of your body in a way that makes it untreatable by surgery?
- Are you not just receiving treatment to ease symptoms?
- Are you able to have an MRI scan?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, we will collect information about your diagnostic tests and the treatment you receive for your rectal cancer. This includes details from your MRI scans and other medical records. You won't need extra appointments just for the study; instead, we'll ask you to fill in some questionnaires about your experiences during your regular hospital visits for doctor's appointments. There are no additional medicines or procedures involved beyond your usual care. The study aims to follow your journey from diagnosis through treatment, which could be for a few years depending on your individual treatment plan. The study itself is expected to run from June 2025 to May 2031.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (17)
- Salisbury District HospitalApproximateSalisbury, United Kingdom
- SouthamptonApproximateSouthampton, United Kingdom
- John Radcliffe HospitalApproximateOxford, United Kingdom
- Northwick Park HospitalApproximateHarrow, United Kingdom
- St Marys HospitalCity onlyWarrington, United Kingdom
- Chesterfield Royal HospitalUnverifiedChesterfield, United Kingdom
- Kings Mill HospitalUnverifiedSutton-in-ashfield, United Kingdom
- The Princess Alexandra HospitalUnverifiedHarlow, United Kingdom
- Musgrove Park Hospital (taunton)UnverifiedTaunton, United Kingdom
- Royal London HospitalUnverifiedLondon, United Kingdom
- East Surrey HospitalUnverifiedRedhill, United Kingdom
- Worthing HospitalUnverifiedWorthing, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is rectal cancer?
Rectal cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the back passage, which is the last part of the large intestine.
What is an MRI scan?
An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a type of scan that uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of organs and structures inside your body.
Will I get extra medical care if I join this study?
No, you will continue to receive the standard medical care from your doctors, exactly as you would if you weren't in the study. The study collects information from your existing care.
Who is funding this research?
The study is funded by NHS England through RM Partners, which is a cancer alliance in London, and also by the Pelican Cancer Foundation.
What is the study hoping to achieve?
The study hopes to find a better way to stage rectal cancer using MRI scans, which could lead to more tailored and effective treatments for patients in the future.
How to find out more
Caroline Martin
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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