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

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores a new method to detect gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors using a special CT scan called dual-energy CT (Dual-Energy Computed Tomography). Researchers aim to determine if this scan improves the detection of these tumors, often associated with symptoms like flushing, diarrhea, or elevated levels of certain markers in blood or urine. Suitable participants include those with signs of carcinoid syndrome or confirmed carcinoid tumors who are already scheduled for a CT scan. As an Early Phase 1 trial, this research focuses on understanding how this new scanning method works in people, offering participants the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking advancements in tumor detection.

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 prior data suggests that dual-energy CT is safe for detecting gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors?

Research has shown that dual-energy CT scans are generally safe and commonly used in medical settings. This advanced imaging technique provides more detailed pictures than regular CT scans. Studies have found that patients tolerate dual-energy CT well, with no significant increase in side effects compared to standard CT scans.

The procedure is non-invasive, meaning it doesn't involve surgery or medication, which lowers the risk of complications. Some people might experience minor side effects, such as discomfort from lying still or a warm feeling if a contrast dye is used, but these effects are usually mild and temporary. Overall, dual-energy CT is considered a safe and effective method for detecting certain tumors, including carcinoid tumors. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using Dual-Energy CT Scans for carcinoid tumors because this technique offers a unique way to visualize tumors more clearly. Unlike standard imaging methods, which might not differentiate tissues with similar densities, dual-energy CT scans use two different energy levels to capture images, enhancing the contrast between tissues. This could lead to better detection and characterization of carcinoid tumors, potentially improving diagnosis and treatment planning.

What evidence suggests that dual-energy CT is effective for detecting carcinoid tumors?

Research has shown that Dual-Energy CT (DECT) effectively detects and diagnoses growths, including cancerous ones. This imaging method enhances tumor visibility by highlighting iodine-rich areas, aiding in the identification of problem areas. DECT also provides detailed insights into these growths, leading to more accurate diagnoses. Additionally, it uses less radiation than some other imaging methods. In this trial, participants will undergo a DECT scan to evaluate its effectiveness in detecting gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors. ^{2 3 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Ajaykumar Morani

Principal Investigator

M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

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 for a Trial Participant

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

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

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.

How Is the Trial Designed?

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+

Published Research Related to This Trial

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]

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]

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]

Citations

1. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/early-phase-1-carcinoid-tumor-8-2015-8bba8

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 ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10975567/

Dual-Energy CT in Oncologic Imaging - PMC The diverse array of images obtained through DECT acquisitions offers numerous benefits, including enhanced lesion detection and characterization, precise ...

3. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1930043324005569

Combined dual energy CT and perfusion protocol ... Dual-energy computed tomography can aid in identifying tumors by enhancing iodine uptake in parenchymal tissues and by quantifying materials such as fat and ...

4. mdanderson.org mdanderson.org/patients-family/diagnosis-treatment/clinical-trials/clinical-trials-index/clinical-trials-detail.ID2014-0578.html

Clinical Trials Detail 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 ...

5. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41598-022-27221-8

Dual-energy computed tomography as a lower radiation ... DECT is useful for the functional assessment of oncological lesions with less exposure to radiation compared to perfusion computed tomography.

6. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04993261

An Investigational Scan (Dual Energy CT) in Detecting ... 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 ...

7. pubs.rsna.org pubs.rsna.org/doi/full/10.1148/rg.343135041

Oncologic Applications of Dual-Energy CT in the Abdomen Dual-energy computed tomographic (DECT) technology offers enhanced capabilities that may benefit oncologic imaging in the abdomen.

8. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0887217123000306

Dual Energy CT in Oncology: Benefits for Both Patients and ... Dual-energy CT (DECT) imaging makes it possible to identify the characteristics of materials that cannot be recognized with conventional single-energy CT ...