MRI Scans for Preventive Healthcare

(Hercules Trial)

Overseen By Kayla MacLeod, BS

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Hercules

Disqualifiers: Pregnancy, Implanted pacemakers, others

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

Approved in 2 Jurisdictions This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

100000 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to explore the potential benefits of using Whole-Body Magnetic Resonance Imaging (WB-MRI) scans for preventive healthcare. The goal is to determine if these scans can detect health issues early, even before symptoms appear. Participants should be prepared to cover the cost of the scan and be comfortable with the scanning procedure, which requires staying still and occasionally holding their breath. This trial is ideal for individuals without implants like pacemakers, as these may interfere with the MRI process. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research in preventive healthcare.

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 only mentions that you need to provide information about them.

What prior data suggests that whole-body MRI is safe for preventive healthcare?

Research has shown that whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI) is safe for people. Studies have found it to be a non-invasive procedure, meaning it doesn't involve surgery or entering the body. Importantly, it doesn't use harmful radiation, a common concern with some other imaging methods.

WB-MRI is already recommended for cancer screening in individuals at higher risk of the disease, and patients generally handle the procedure well. Reports also note that WB-MRI doesn't require contrast agents, which are chemicals used in some scans to highlight certain areas of the body but can sometimes cause allergic reactions.

Overall, WB-MRI is considered a safe and effective tool for early disease detection, with no significant side effects reported in current research. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using Whole-Body Magnetic Resonance Imaging (WB-MRI) for preventive healthcare because it offers a non-invasive way to screen the entire body for potential health issues without using radiation. Unlike traditional imaging methods like X-rays or CT scans, which expose patients to ionizing radiation, WB-MRI is safer for repeated use, making it ideal for regular health check-ups. Additionally, WB-MRI provides highly detailed images, which can help detect abnormalities early, potentially leading to earlier intervention and better health outcomes.

What evidence suggests that whole-body MRI is effective for preventive healthcare?

Research has shown that whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI) holds potential for early disease detection. However, its effectiveness for regular health check-ups remains uncertain. Some studies found that WB-MRI can identify serious health issues, but there is a 2% chance of missing a diagnosis. Medical experts advise caution, as no solid proof exists that WB-MRI extends life expectancy. While promising, more research is needed to confirm its benefits for preventive health. Participants in this trial will undergo a whole-body MRI scan to further investigate its effectiveness in preventive healthcare. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Perry Kaneriya, MD, MBA

Principal Investigator

Hercules

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This study is for adults over 18 interested in advanced preventive healthcare who can pay for their own WB-MRI scan. Participants must be able to provide medical history, follow study procedures like staying still during the MRI, and understand consent forms.

Inclusion Criteria

Be able to read and understand provided procedural information for the study

Be willing and able to provide required clinical, demographic, medical history, and concomitant medications information

Complete all required consent procedures

Exclusion Criteria

Self-certify that they are pregnant

Harbor within their bodies contraindicated medical devices including, but not limited to, implanted pacemakers, intracranial aneurysm clips, cochlear implants, drug infusion pumps, neurostimulators, bone growth stimulators, certain intrauterine contraceptive devices, non-MRI safe metals, etc.

Be an employee of the study site or the sponsor

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

MRI Scan

Participants undergo whole-body MRI scans to capture data for analysis

1 visit

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for clinically significant diagnoses and oncological findings

Up to 10 years

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Whole-Body Magnetic Resonance Imaging (WB-MRI)

Trial Overview The trial is observing how well whole-body MRI scans can predict significant health issues such as nervous system disorders, cancer, aneurysms, neurological and metabolic diseases in a general population.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: MRI Scan Arm Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Whole Body MRI Scan

Whole-Body Magnetic Resonance Imaging (WB-MRI) is already approved in European Union, United States for the following indications:

Approved in European Union as Whole-Body MRI for:

• Multiple myeloma
• Prostate cancer
• Melanoma
• Cancer predisposition syndromes (e.g., Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Rb gene mutation, SDHx gene mutation)

Approved in United States as Whole-Body MRI for:

• Multiple myeloma
• Prostate cancer
• Melanoma
• Cancer predisposition syndromes (e.g., Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Rb gene mutation, SDHx gene mutation)
• General population screening for proactive and advanced general preventive healthcare

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Hercules

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1

Recruited

100,000+

Prenuvo Inc

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

100,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A review of 12 studies involving 6214 whole-body MRI examinations found that 95% of asymptomatic subjects had abnormal findings, but only 1.1% were histologically confirmed as cancer, indicating a high rate of benign findings.

The studies showed significant variability in methodologies and classification systems, suggesting that while WB-MRI can identify potential issues, its efficacy for cancer screening in asymptomatic individuals remains unclear, and experienced radiologists are essential for accurate interpretation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI) for cancer screening in asymptomatic subjects of the general population: review and recommendations. Zugni, F., Padhani, AR., Koh, DM., et al.[2022]

Whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI) is recommended for cancer screening in individuals with cancer predisposition syndromes, helping to improve health and survival rates in high-risk populations.

There is an increasing interest in using WB-MRI for cancer screening in asymptomatic individuals from the general population, highlighting the need for standardized acquisition protocols and tailored recommendations for different groups.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI) for cancer screening: recommendations for use. Petralia, G., Zugni, F., Summers, PE., et al.[2022]

Whole-body MRI (WB-MRI) screening in a study of 576 asymptomatic individuals revealed that about one-third had clinically relevant findings, leading to treatments for 11.2% of participants, including the detection of cancers and intracranial aneurysms.

Despite its effectiveness in identifying some health issues, WB-MRI has limitations in detecting certain cancers, such as colon, thyroid, and breast cancers, suggesting it should be used as a complementary screening tool rather than a standalone diagnostic method.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Whole-body MRI for preventive health screening: Management strategies and clinical implications. Basar, Y., Alis, D., Tekcan Sanli, DE., et al.[2021]

In a study of 134 cancer patients, whole body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI) was well tolerated, with 85.5% of participants reporting a positive experience and 90.3% expressing willingness to undergo the procedure again.

Patients preferred WB-MRI over other imaging methods like CT and PET/CT, with 68.7% favoring WB-MRI, indicating its potential as a preferred diagnostic tool in oncology.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Patient centered radiology: investigating 3 Tesla whole body MRI acceptance in cancer patients. Rossi, A., Prochowski Iamurri, A., Diano, D., et al.[2023]

Recent advancements in whole-body MRI technology allow for high-resolution imaging in a single 60-minute examination, which could enhance cancer screening efforts.

The review discusses the potential benefits and challenges of using whole-body MRI, including its application in detecting common malignancies, while also addressing limitations based on current experiences and literature.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Oncologic screening with whole-body MRI: possibilities and limitations]. Schäfer, JF., Fischmann, A., Lichy, M., et al.[2019]

Whole-body MRI (WB MRI) was evaluated in a study of 229 patients and identified two cases of malignancy among six suspicious lesions, demonstrating its potential utility in cancer screening.

In addition to detecting possible cancers, WB MRI revealed various nonmalignant conditions, such as disc issues and shoulder bursitis, indicating its effectiveness for comprehensive health evaluations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An initial experience with the use of whole body MRI for cancer screening and regular health checks. Lee, SY., Park, HJ., Kim, MS., et al.[2019]

Whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI) is a radiation-free imaging technique that can effectively detect and characterize lesions in less than 40 minutes, making it a valuable tool in cancer management.

International guidelines now recommend WB-MRI for various cancers, including multiple myeloma and prostate cancer, due to its superior ability to evaluate treatment responses and screen high-risk patients compared to traditional imaging methods.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Whole-body magnetic resonance imaging: technique, guidelines and key applications. Summers, P., Saia, G., Colombo, A., et al.[2021]

A study involving 135 cancer patients found that whole body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI) is well-accepted and leads to high satisfaction levels, with 80% of participants expressing positive feelings about the procedure.

Patients who received more information prior to the WB-MRI reported higher satisfaction, indicating that effective communication from healthcare providers can enhance the acceptance of this non-radiative imaging technique.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Investigating cancer patient acceptance of Whole Body MRI. Oliveri, S., Pricolo, P., Pizzoli, S., et al.[2019]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6850647/

Whole‐body MRI for preventive health screening Only one study reported false‐negative findings, with a proportion of 2.0%. Data Conclusion. Prevalence of critical and indeterminate incidental whole‐body MRI ...

2. fredhutch.org fredhutch.org/en/news/blog/2025/08/whole-body-mri-and-cancer-screening.html

Whole-body MRI and cancer screening Effective cancer screening. The effectiveness of whole-body screening MRI scans is not yet established. An effective screening test must fulfill ...

3. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30932247/

Whole-body MRI for preventive health screening Background: The yield of whole-body MRI for preventive health screening is currently not completely clear. Purpose: To systematically review ...

4. diagnosticimaging.com diagnosticimaging.com/view/whole-body-mri-preventive-medicine-current-evidence

Whole-Body MRI in Preventive Medicine - Diagnostic Imaging Whole-body MRI (WB-MRI) has gained widespread attention as a cutting-edge, radiation-free tool for early disease detection.

5. oncodaily.com oncodaily.com/blog/140094

Roupen Odabashian: Whole-Body MRI: A Comprehensive ... As you can see from the links, all professional societies warn against whole-body MRI because we lack data on its effect on overall survival for ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8558201/

Whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI) for ... Whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI) is currently recommended for cancer screening in adult and paediatric subjects with cancer predisposition ...

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8519652/

What's New for Clinical Whole-body MRI (WB-MRI) in the ... Emerging indications for WB-MRI include: (a) cancer screening in population with genetic predisposition; (b) cancer staging as a “one-stop-shop” in selected ...

8. prenuvo.com prenuvo.com/

Prenuvo: Comprehensive whole body MRI scan for ... Our award-winning whole body MRI is a fast (under 1 hour), safe (no harmful radiation), and non-invasive (no contrast) way to catch stage one cancers, aneurysms ...

9. ezra.com ezra.com/blog/whole-body-mri-screening

What Is a Whole Body MRI Screening and Why Should You ... A whole body MRI screening is a non-invasive way to help detect diseases like cancer. Learn how it works and how to prepare.

10. udshealth.com udshealth.com/blog/comprehensive-full-body-scans-guide/

Full Body Scans: Top 3 Methods Compared for Early ... Explore the safety, costs, and effectiveness of full body scan, MRI, CT scans, and ultrasound for early cancer detection.