Dual-Energy CT Scan for Carcinoid Tumors

Overseen By Ajaykumar Morani, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Phase < 1

Sponsor: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Disqualifiers: Resected carcinoid, Contrast allergy, Pregnancy

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Approved in 6 Jurisdictions This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

71 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial studies the use of a special type of computed (CT) scan called dual energy CT in detecting gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors. CT is an imaging technique that uses x-rays and a computer to create images of areas inside the body. Dual energy computed tomography is a technique used during routine CT scans to help obtain and process the image after the scan is complete. Doctors want to learn if dual energy computed tomography can help improve the detection of carcinoid tumors during routine CT scans.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Dual-Energy CT Scan for Carcinoid Tumors?

Research shows that Dual-Energy CT (DECT) is effective in oncology for detecting and diagnosing both cancerous and non-cancerous lesions, improving visibility and sensitivity. This suggests that DECT could be useful for identifying and evaluating carcinoid tumors as well. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is Dual-Energy CT (DECT) safe for humans?

Research shows that Dual-Energy CT (DECT) generally has similar or lower radiation exposure compared to traditional CT scans, and it provides good image quality. This suggests that DECT is safe for use in humans, including both adults and children. ^{4 6 7 8 9}

How is the dual-energy CT scan treatment for carcinoid tumors different from other treatments?

Dual-energy CT (DECT) is unique because it uses two different energy levels to create detailed images, allowing for better detection and characterization of tumors compared to standard CT scans. This technique provides both anatomical and functional information, which can improve the accuracy of diagnosing and assessing carcinoid tumors. ^{1 3 4 5 10}

Research Team

Ajaykumar Morani

Principal Investigator

M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals with signs of carcinoid syndrome, increased markers indicating carcinoid, confirmed diagnosis through biopsy, or metastases known to be from a carcinoid tumor. They must be scheduled for a CT scan and have consented to participate. Pregnant individuals or those allergic to contrast agents used in scans cannot join.

Inclusion Criteria

My biopsy confirmed I have carcinoid cancer.

My tests show markers indicating I might have carcinoid cancer.

My cancer spread is confirmed as carcinoid through a biopsy.

Exclusion Criteria

My primary GI carcinoid tumor has been surgically removed.

Pregnant patients

I cannot have IV contrast due to an allergy, kidney issues, or pregnancy.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Imaging

Participants undergo one dual energy CT scan during their scheduled CT scan

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after imaging

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Dual-Energy Computed Tomography

Trial Overview The study is examining the effectiveness of Dual Energy Computed Tomography (DECT) in detecting gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors during routine CT scans. Researchers aim to determine if DECT can enhance the imaging and identification of these tumors.

Participant Groups

Group I: Diagnostic (dual energy CT scan) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Patients undergo one dual energy CT scan during scheduled CT scan.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

3,107

Recruited

1,813,000+

Findings from Research

Dual-energy CT (DECT) is a promising imaging technique that allows for the differentiation and quantification of materials based on their atomic composition, enhancing diagnostic capabilities across various organ systems.

Despite its potential benefits in clinical applications, DECT is not widely used yet, primarily due to a lack of familiarity and the need for a new workflow among radiologists.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Dual-energy CT]. Xu, JJ., Hansen, KL., Lönn, L., et al.[2021]

The proposed material decomposition algorithm for Dual-Energy CT (DECT) effectively separates blood and fat regions of interest with errors of less than 2% and 9%, respectively, demonstrating high precision in clinical imaging.

This new algorithm achieves up to 97.1% accuracy in decomposing materials like iodine contrast agents, improving the workflow of material decomposition and offering a semi-automatic approach that enhances existing methods.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Quantification of contrast agent materials using a new image- domain multi material decomposition algorithm based on dual energy CT. Mirzaei, F., Faghihi, R.[2022]

In a study of 860 children undergoing abdominopelvic exams, dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) was found to deliver lower radiation doses compared to conventional single-energy CT (SECT), with significant reductions in both size-specific dose estimates (SSDE) and volume CT dose index (CTDIvol).

The image quality of DECT was comparable to that of SECT across different patient sizes, indicating that DECT can be a safer alternative without compromising diagnostic quality.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Comparison of radiation dose and image quality between contrast-enhanced single- and dual-energy abdominopelvic computed tomography in children as a function of patient size. Siegel, MJ., Mhlanga, JC., Salter, A., et al.[2021]

References

1. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dual energy CT: preliminary observations and potential clinical applications in the abdomen. [2022]

2. Denmark pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Dual-energy CT]. [2021]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Oncological applications of dual-energy computed tomography imaging. [2016]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dual-energy CT: oncologic applications. [2022]

5. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Quantification of contrast agent materials using a new image- domain multi material decomposition algorithm based on dual energy CT. [2022]

6. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evaluation of image quality and radiation dose of abdominal dual-energy CT. [2018]

7. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Comparison of radiation dose and image quality between contrast-enhanced single- and dual-energy abdominopelvic computed tomography in children as a function of patient size. [2021]

8. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Single- and dual-energy CT of the abdomen: comparison of radiation dose and image quality of 2nd and 3rd generation dual-source CT. [2020]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of Dual-Energy Technique on Radiation Exposure and Image Quality in Pediatric Body CT. [2019]

10. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Getting the Most From Your Dual-Energy Scanner: Recognizing, Reducing, and Eliminating Artifacts. [2016]