100 Participants Needed

MRI + Liquid Biopsy for Early Cancer Detection

Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Phase < 1
Sponsor: City of Hope Medical Center
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This study evaluates patient acceptability of whole body magnetic resonance imaging (WBM) and liquid biopsies (LB) in detecting early stage cancer in patients with a strong family history of cancer. Collecting family history and testing for genes passed on from parent to child (germline testing) can be used to predict the likelihood of a patient developing cancer. Currently, detection of early cancers focuses on screening specific organ systems such as breast and colon cancer. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a large magnet and radio waves to look at organs and structures inside the body. Health care professionals use MRI scans to diagnose a variety of conditions, from torn ligaments to cancer. Liquid biopsy is test that analyzes blood samples to determine if cancer cells are present. This study may help researchers determine the feasibility of WBM and liquid biopsies to detect early stage cancer in patients that have a strong family history of cancer.

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 MRI + Liquid Biopsy for Early Cancer Detection?

Research shows that liquid biopsies, which analyze blood or urine to detect cancer-related molecules, have potential as diagnostic and prognostic tools in cancer management. They can provide insights into cancer presence and progression without the need for invasive tissue biopsies.12345

Is the combination of MRI and liquid biopsy safe for humans?

Liquid biopsies, which involve analyzing blood samples for cancer markers, are generally considered safe because they are minimally invasive, meaning they don't require surgery or other procedures that enter the body. MRI scans, especially those without contrast, are also widely used and considered safe for most people.12678

How does the MRI + Liquid Biopsy treatment for early cancer detection differ from other treatments?

The MRI + Liquid Biopsy treatment is unique because it combines advanced imaging techniques with a non-invasive blood test to detect cancer early. This approach may offer more precise detection compared to traditional methods, which often rely solely on imaging or tissue biopsies.910111213

Research Team

DR

Dan Raz

Principal Investigator

City of Hope Medical Center

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults with a strong family history of cancer, particularly those who are at least 50 years old or within 10 years of the age their relative was diagnosed with cancer. Participants must have multiple relatives with cancer and be willing to undergo genetic counseling, germline testing, and MRI scans without contrast. They should not have had any type of whole body imaging in the last three years or show signs/symptoms suggesting current cancer.

Inclusion Criteria

Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) or other whole body imaging modality (including combination of CT chest and abdomen) within 3 years
I have been diagnosed with cancer other than non-melanoma skin cancer in the last 5 years.
Willing to have 50 mL of blood (approximately 3.5 tablespoons) drawn (40 ml if germline testing already performed)
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Exclusion Criteria

I am unable to understand and give consent for treatment.
Contraindications to MRI (implants, metal, or claustrophobia that would preclude MRI)

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Testing

Participants undergo whole body MRI without contrast and blood sample collection for liquid biopsy. Germline testing may also be performed.

1 day
1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for psychological distress and health-related quality of life up to 6 months after testing.

6 months
Periodic surveys

Treatment Details

Interventions

  • Biospecimen Collection
  • Genetic Testing for Cancer Risk
  • Liquid Biopsy
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Whole Body without Contrast
Trial OverviewThe study is looking into how acceptable it is for patients to use whole body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and liquid biopsies as methods for early detection of cancers in individuals at high risk due to family history. It aims to see if these techniques can identify early-stage cancers more effectively than traditional organ-specific screenings.
Participant Groups
1Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: Whole Body MRI and Liquid BiopsyExperimental Treatment5 Interventions
Patients undergo WBM without contrast and blood sample collection for liquid biopsy

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

City of Hope Medical Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials
614
Recruited
1,924,000+

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Collaborator

Trials
14,080
Recruited
41,180,000+

Findings from Research

Liquid biopsies, which analyze biofluids like blood or urine for tumor-related molecules, are emerging as valuable tools in cancer management, potentially serving as alternatives to traditional tissue biopsies.
This review highlights three key methods of liquid biopsy—circulating tumor cells, extracellular vesicles, and circulating tumor DNA—demonstrating their diagnostic and prognostic potential in assessing cancer.
Liquid Biopsy in Solid Malignancy.Scarlotta, M., Simsek, C., Kim, AK.[2023]
Liquid biopsies, which analyze components like circulating tumor cells and circulating free DNA from body fluids, offer a less invasive alternative to traditional tissue biopsies for cancer diagnosis and monitoring.
These innovative methods can provide valuable biomarkers for early cancer detection, prognosis, and treatment prediction, although each technology has its own advantages and limitations.
The Different Facets of Liquid Biopsy: A Kaleidoscopic View.Eslami-S, Z., Cortés-Hernández, LE., Cayrefourcq, L., et al.[2022]

References

"Circulating Tumor Cells: Finding Rare Events for a Huge Knowledge of Cancer Dissemination". [2021]
Plasma KRAS mutations predict the early recurrence after surgical resection of pancreatic cancer. [2022]
Liquid Biopsy in Solid Malignancy. [2023]
Comparison of select cancer biomarkers in human circulating and bulk tumor cells using magnetic nanoparticles and a miniaturized micro-NMR system. [2022]
The Different Facets of Liquid Biopsy: A Kaleidoscopic View. [2022]
Circulating tumor DNA for breast cancer: Review of active clinical trials. [2022]
The Labyrinth of Product Development and Regulatory Approvals in Liquid Biopsy Diagnostics. [2020]
[Breakthrough Technologies: Liquid Biopsy -Chairmen's Introductory Remarks.] [2018]
Visually directed vs. software-based targeted biopsy compared to transperineal template mapping biopsy in the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer. [2022]
[Image-guided biopsy of the prostate gland]. [2022]
Endorectal multiparametric 3-tesla magnetic resonance imaging associated with systematic cognitive biopsies does not increase prostate cancer detection rate: a randomized prospective trial. [2022]
Developing and testing a robotic MRI/CT fusion biopsy technique using a purpose-built interventional phantom. [2022]
13.United Statespubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Impact of the Number of Cores on the Prostate Cancer Detection Rate in Men Undergoing in-Bore Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Guided Targeted Biopsies. [2021]