Imaging Techniques for Cancer Detection

Overseen By Brad Kline

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of California, San Francisco

Disqualifiers: Noncompliance, MRI contraindications

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

30 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests two imaging methods to determine which better detects cancer spread in the body. It compares a combined PET/MRI scan (Positron Emission Tomography with Magnetic Resonance Imaging) to a newer MRI technique called diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). People with metastatic cancer, especially those with a PET scan planned within two months, are ideal candidates. The goal is to enhance cancer spread detection, aiding in treatment management. As an unphased trial, this study allows patients to contribute to advancements in cancer detection technology.

Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?

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

What prior data suggests that these imaging techniques are safe for cancer detection?

Research has shown that both imaging techniques under study, PET/MRI and WB-MRI-DWI, are generally safe for people.

For PET/MRI, studies have found that this method is commonly used in cancer care. It involves a tiny amount of radioactive material to help doctors see how tissues and organs function. The amount used is very low and considered safe. However, some people might feel warm or notice a metallic taste during the scan.

WB-MRI-DWI is another imaging method that is safe and does not use any radiation. It is often used to assess how cancer spreads and responds to treatment. This method is well-tolerated, with no known serious side effects. Some people might find it a bit uncomfortable to stay still during the scan.

Overall, both PET/MRI and WB-MRI-DWI are considered safe for most people, with minimal risks involved. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about these imaging techniques because they promise more precise cancer detection compared to existing methods. The combination of PET with MRI (PET/MRI) offers a unique advantage by providing both metabolic and anatomical information, which can lead to earlier and more accurate diagnosis. Whole Body MRI with Diffusion-Weighted Imaging (WB-MRI-DWI) enhances the detection of cancer spread throughout the body without the need for radiation. Together, these advanced imaging methods could significantly improve how we pinpoint cancer, potentially leading to better treatment outcomes.

What evidence suggests that these imaging techniques are effective for cancer detection?

This trial will compare the effectiveness of different imaging techniques for cancer detection. Research has shown that PET/MRI, one of the imaging methods tested in this trial, is a powerful tool for finding cancer. It can identify cancerous areas more effectively than some other imaging methods. Studies have found that PET/MRI often surpasses PET/CT in assessing the size and spread of tumors.

Similarly, WB-MRI-DWI, another imaging method under study, is highly effective for detecting cancer throughout the body. It accurately identifies both those with and without the disease, often exceeding 94% accuracy.

Both PET/MRI and WB-MRI-DWI are strong options for cancer imaging, aiding doctors in assessing the extent of cancer spread and its response to treatment. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Thomas A. Hope, MD

Principal Investigator

University of California, San Francisco

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals with known metastatic cancer. The details of the eligibility criteria are not provided, so it's important to contact the study organizers for specific inclusion and exclusion requirements.

Inclusion Criteria

I have a non-FDG PET scan scheduled around the time of the research PET/MRI.

Ability to understand a written informed consent document, and the willingness to sign it

My cancer has spread to other parts of my body.

Exclusion Criteria

Unlikely to comply with protocol procedures, restrictions and requirements and judged by the Investigator to be unsuitable for participation

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Imaging

Participants will be imaged at a single timepoint using whole body DWI concurrent with FDG PET/MRI

1 day

Optional Imaging

Participants may obtain an optional second FDG PET/MRI with DWI within 6 months

Up to 6 months

Follow-up

Participants are monitored through a medical records review for up to two years

Up to 2 years

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Positron Emission Tomography combined with Magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI)
• Whole Body Magnetic Resonance Imaging with Diffusion-Weighted Imaging (WB-MRI-DWI)

Trial Overview The trial is evaluating two imaging techniques in patients with metastatic cancer: Whole Body MRI with Diffusion-Weighted Imaging (WB-MRI-DWI) versus PET/MRI using Fluorodeoxyglucose F18. It aims to see which method is better at detecting cancer spread.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Whole Body DWI plus FDG PET/MRI Experimental Treatment 4 Interventions

Participants will receive 5 to 10 Megabecquerel (MBq) +/- 10% of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose as an intravenous injection and undergo a FDG PET/MRI scan that will extend from the vertex to the mid-thighs. Imaging will be performed from vertex to mid-thighs using standard protocol. Participants may also obtain an optional second FDG PET/MRI with DWI within 6 months.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of California, San Francisco

Lead Sponsor

Trials

2,636

Recruited

19,080,000+

Society of Abdominal Radiology

Collaborator

Trials

4

Recruited

200+

GE Healthcare

Industry Sponsor

Trials

307

Recruited

634,000+

Fotis Vlachos

GE Healthcare

Chief Marketing Officer since 2024

PhD in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from the University of Massachusetts, MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania

Peter J. Arduini

GE Healthcare

Chief Executive Officer since 2022

MBA from Northwestern University, BSc in Marketing from Susquehanna University

Society of Abdominal Radiology

Collaborator

Citations

1. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21276372/

Positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic ... Conclusions: Studies demonstrated that PET and MRI have lower sensitivity and specificity than SLNB and 4-NS but are associated with fewer adverse events.

2. jnm.snmjournals.org jnm.snmjournals.org/content/61/8/1131

PET/MRI Versus PET/CT for Whole-Body Staging Conclusion: PET/MRI facilitates staging comparable to that of PET/CT and improves lesion detectability in selected cancers, potentially helping ...

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4665605/

PET/MRI in Oncological Imaging: State of the Art - PMC Combined positron emission tomography with magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) is a promising new modality which may replace PET/CT in selected cancer ...

4. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2075-4418/15/6/654

Positron Emission Tomography–Magnetic Resonance ... Nearly half of the articles (5 out of 12) concluded that PET/MRI is superior to PET, MRI, and PET/CT imaging in relation to defining malignancies' size. Six ...

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0887217116000184

Positron Emission Tomography/Magnetic Resonance ... Developments in WB-MRI techniques indicate that it compares favourably with 18F-FDG-PET for detection of distant metastases [64]. PET-MRI provides at least ...

6. mayoclinic.org mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/pet-scan/about/pac-20385078

Positron emission tomography scan PET scans must be interpreted carefully because noncancerous conditions can look like cancer. Also, some cancers do not appear on PET scans.

7. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559089/

PET Scanning - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf - NIH PET scanning is an imaging technique widely used in oncology. This technique uses radiotracers to measure various metabolic processes in the body.

8. radiologyinfo.org radiologyinfo.org/en/info/pet

PET/CT - Positron Emission Tomography/Computed ... Current and accurate information for patients about PET/CT. Learn what you might experience, how to prepare for the exam, benefits, risks and much more.

9. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0037198X14000169

Management and Organization of Positron Emission ... The decision to locate the PET/MRI system in the newly built Seidman Cancer Center provided the opportunity to plan for and achieve the required MRI safety ...

10. aetna.com aetna.com/cpb/medical/data/1_99/0071.html

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) - Medical Clinical ... Aetna considers positron emission tomography (PET) medically necessary for the following cardiac indications: Evaluation of Coronary Artery Disease.