PET-MRI Imaging for Esophageal Cancer

Overseen By Rebecca [e-mail], MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University Health Network, Toronto

Disqualifiers: Pregnancy, Pacemaker, Claustrophobia, others

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

Approved in 5 Jurisdictions This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

15 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores the use of PET-MRI imaging (a combination of Positron Emission Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging) in the radiation treatment process for esophageal cancer. The study will capture images before, during, and after radiation to determine if these can improve future treatment planning. It does not alter current treatment but adds imaging to gather more information. Suitable participants have been diagnosed with locally advanced esophageal cancer and are about to begin radiation therapy. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to advancements in imaging techniques that could enhance future cancer treatment strategies.

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 PET-MRI imaging is safe for esophagogastric cancer patients?

Research has shown that PET-MRI imaging is generally safe for people. This method combines two well-known imaging techniques: PET (Positron Emission Tomography) and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), both of which have been safely used in medical settings for a long time.

The safety of these techniques is well-established. PET-MRI has been applied to various types of cancer and other health conditions without major safety concerns. These imaging methods do not involve invasive procedures, reducing the likelihood of discomfort or harm.

In summary, PET-MRI is considered safe and well-tolerated in medical imaging. Current research has not reported any significant adverse events linked to its use. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about PET-MRI imaging for esophageal cancer because it combines two powerful imaging technologies, PET and MRI, to provide more detailed and comprehensive views of tumors than traditional imaging methods. Unlike standard imaging techniques, such as CT scans or standalone MRI, PET-MRI can simultaneously capture both metabolic activity and anatomical details, offering a more accurate assessment of the cancer's stage and spread. This dual capability could lead to better treatment planning and potentially improve patient outcomes by tailoring therapies more precisely to individual needs.

What evidence suggests that PET-MRI is effective for esophageal cancer?

Research has shown that PET-MRI, which participants in this trial will undergo, is a promising tool for imaging esophageal cancer. One study found that PET-MRI outperformed PET-CT in detecting primary tumors in stomach and esophageal cancers, suggesting that PET-MRI might be more effective at early cancer detection. Another study found that PET-MRI matched PET-CT in determining the stage of esophageal cancer but might better identify cancer spread. Overall, PET-MRI combines two well-known imaging techniques—PET and MRI—making it a safe and potentially more effective option for planning esophageal cancer treatment. ^{4 5 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults over 18 with locally advanced esophageal cancer who are about to start radiation therapy lasting more than 4 weeks. Participants must be able to consent and not be pregnant or breastfeeding. They can't have a pacemaker, defibrillator, severe claustrophobia, or issues with Gadolinium contrast used in MRI.

Inclusion Criteria

Ability and willingness to provide written informed consent

I have been diagnosed with advanced esophageal cancer and am considered for radiation therapy longer than 4 weeks.

Exclusion Criteria

Any patient who is pregnant or breastfeeding

Pacemaker or implanted defibrillator

Contraindication for MRI

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Pre-Treatment Imaging

PET-MRI imaging is completed before the start of radiation treatment

1 week

Radiation Treatment

Participants receive radiation treatment with MRI imaging during the treatment

6-8 weeks

Post-Treatment Imaging

MRI imaging is completed after radiation treatment

1 week

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

2 years

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• PET-MRI

Trial Overview The study is testing the use of PET-MRI imaging as part of the treatment process for esophageal cancer patients receiving radiation therapy. It aims to see if incorporating this imaging before, during, and after treatment can improve future care.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: PET-MRI Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

PET-MRI in esophagogastric cancers

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University Health Network, Toronto

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,555

Recruited

526,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Integrated PET/CT and MRI imaging technologies are enhancing the management of oesophageal cancer by improving the detection of metastatic disease and assessing treatment responses, which are crucial for effective patient care.

Recent advancements in MRI techniques, particularly diffusion-weighted imaging, are expected to complement PET/CT by providing better staging and treatment planning, ultimately leading to more personalized treatment strategies for patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Imaging of oesophageal cancer with FDG-PET/CT and MRI. van Rossum, PSN., van Lier, ALHMW., Lips, IM., et al.[2022]

In a study of 40 patients with primary M0 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, baseline and interim [18F]FDG-PET/MRI parameters, particularly total lesion glycolysis (TLG) and extracellular volume fraction (Ve), were effective in predicting treatment response and overall survival (OS).

The combination of interim TLG and Ve provided a better prognostic model for OS and progression-free survival (PFS) compared to the traditional TNM staging system, indicating that PET/MRI imaging can enhance treatment planning and patient management.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Baseline and interim [18F]FDG-PET/MRI to assess treatment response and survival in patients with M0 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma treated by curative-intent therapy. Chao, YK., Chang, CB., Chang, YC., et al.[2023]

The integration of positron emission tomography (PET) with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging provides a comprehensive approach by combining detailed anatomical information from MR scans with biological and physiological data from PET scans.

Implementing a PET-MR imaging program involves addressing technical and operational challenges, including scheduling, workflow, and room construction, which are crucial for optimizing its clinical applications.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Techniques, benefits, and challenges of PET-MR. Ocampo, T., Knight, K., Dunleavy, R., et al.[2015]

Whole-body MRI (WBMRI) demonstrated comparable accuracy to PET-CT in identifying primary esophageal tumors, detecting them in 98% of patients, compared to 94% for PET-CT, based on a study of 49 patients.

In nodal analysis, WBMRI showed improved sensitivity (59%) and accuracy (67%) compared to PET-CT (46% sensitivity, 59% accuracy) when including both surgical specimens and endoscopic ultrasound criteria, suggesting WBMRI may be a viable alternative for staging esophageal cancer.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Whole Body MRI in the Staging of Esophageal Cancer--A Prospective Comparison with Whole Body 18F-FDG PET-CT. Malik, V., Harmon, M., Johnston, C., et al.[2016]

Endoluminal MRI was effective in accurately classifying the T stage of esophageal carcinoma in 8 out of 9 specimens, demonstrating its potential as a reliable imaging technique for tumor staging.

However, the accuracy of lymph node classification was lower, with only 67% correct TN classification, primarily due to limitations in the MRI's field of view, which missed many lymph nodes, including those with metastatic involvement.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Esophageal carcinoma. Ex vivo endoluminal magnetic resonance imaging. Stoker, J., van Velthuysen, ML., van Overhagen, H., et al.[2019]

Integrated PET/MRI scanners provide significant advantages in imaging applications that require high soft tissue contrast and lower radiation doses, particularly benefiting cancer staging and tumor imaging.

This hybrid imaging modality shows promise in various oncological applications, as well as cardiac and brain imaging, while also being safer for young patients due to reduced radiation exposure compared to traditional PET/CT scans.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Clinical applications of PET/MRI: current status and future perspectives. Nensa, F., Beiderwellen, K., Heusch, P., et al.[2021]

Successful installation of PET/MRI systems requires careful planning and adherence to safety standards, including shielding for electromagnetic fields and gamma rays, as demonstrated through experiences with a SIEMENS Biograph mMR system.

Interdisciplinary collaboration among nuclear medicine, radiology, and other institutions is crucial for the effective operation of PET/MRI systems in both research and clinical environments.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Physical and organizational provision for installation, regulatory requirements and implementation of a simultaneous hybrid PET/MR-imaging system in an integrated research and clinical setting. Sattler, B., Jochimsen, T., Barthel, H., et al.[2021]

In a study of 54 patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), imaging biomarkers from PET/MRI scans were found to correlate with clinical stage and prognosis, indicating their potential use in predicting patient outcomes.

Specifically, a higher metabolic tumour volume (MTV) and a lower apparent diffusion coefficient (ADCmin) were associated with more advanced disease stages and shorter progression-free and overall survival, suggesting these biomarkers could help guide treatment decisions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Prognostic value of 18F-FDG PET/MR imaging biomarkers in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Yu, CW., Chen, XJ., Lin, YH., et al.[2020]

Hybrid imaging techniques like PET-MRI combine the strengths of functional imaging (PET) and high-resolution soft tissue imaging (MRI), improving the detection of cancer metastases that traditional imaging methods may miss.

This review focuses on the clinical utility of FDG PET-MRI specifically for gastrointestinal cancers, highlighting its potential in diagnosing, staging, and assessing treatment responses for cancers such as esophageal, stomach, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Clinical Utility of Positron Emission Tomography Magnetic Resonance Imaging (PET-MRI) in Gastrointestinal Cancers. Matthews, R., Choi, M.[2020]

The study emphasizes the importance of understanding how a hybrid PET/MRI system can affect image quality, as certain parameters like PET quantification and MRI signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) can be altered when both systems are used together.

Developing specific corrections and calibrations for the combined PET/MRI system is crucial to ensure accurate and precise imaging results in small animal studies, highlighting the need for thorough exploration of the system before conducting experiments.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evaluations of the performances of PET and MRI in a simultaneous PET/MRI instrument for pre-clinical imaging. Pollard, AC., de la Cerda, J., Schuler, FW., et al.[2022]

The study evaluated the safety and efficacy of integrated 18F-FDG-PET/MRI in preoperative staging of 16 patients with oesophageal or gastroesophageal junctional cancer, finding no medical complications and high correlations in tumor measurements compared to the standard 18F-FDG-PET/CT.

While 18F-FDG-PET/MRI showed excellent correlation in maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) and substantial agreement in assessing nodal and metastatic stages, discrepancies were noted in T-stage classification, suggesting further investigation is needed to optimize its use in clinical practice.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

18F-FDG-PET/MRI in preoperative staging of oesophageal and gastroesophageal junctional cancer. Linder, G., Korsavidou-Hult, N., Bjerner, T., et al.[2020]

The introduction of combined PET/MRI systems at Rigshospitalet has shown promising results in imaging various types of cancer, including brain tumors and pediatric oncology, indicating that it performs well compared to traditional PET/CT imaging.

While initial clinical cases suggest that PET/MRI could enhance cancer diagnosis and treatment monitoring, further large-scale studies are necessary to determine the optimal use of this technology in clinical practice.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

PET/MRI in cancer patients: first experiences and vision from Copenhagen. Kjær, A., Loft, A., Law, I., et al.[2021]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11974111/

PET/MRI is superior to PET/CT in detecting oesophago and ... In this study, the detection rate of PET/MRI for primary tumors of gastric and esophageal cancer was greater than that of PET/CT(P < 0.05), ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12378159/

The prognostic value of positron emission tomography ... For esophageal cancer, PET/MRI has demonstrated comparable results to PET/CT in TNM staging and potentially higher sensitivity for detecting metastases [9, 10].

3. link.springer.com link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00330-025-11549-6

Evaluation of MRI for initial staging of esophageal cancer Our study found that the combination of MRI + PET/CT is highly accurate for the initial staging of EC, non-inferior to current staging ...

4. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-oesophago-gastric-cancer-4-2023-2789d

PET-MRI Imaging for Esophageal Cancer PET-MRI imaging is generally considered safe for humans, as it combines two well-established imaging techniques, PET and MRI, which have been used safely in ...

5. jnm.snmjournals.org jnm.snmjournals.org/content/55/8/1242

Clinical Implication of PET/MR Imaging in Preoperative ... The efficacies of EUS, CT, PET/CT, and PET/MR imaging were compared. Results: Primary tumors were correctly staged in 13 (86.7%), 10 (66.7%), ...

6. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05796102

NCT05796102 | PET-MRI Esophagus Feasibility Study The goal of this study is to gather information that will allow the radiation team to include MRI and PET imaging into the radiation treatment workflow for ...

7. bmcmedimaging.biomedcentral.com bmcmedimaging.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12880-025-01565-9

Staging of esophageal cancer using PET/MRI: a systematic ... The results demonstrated that for T1, T2, T3, PET/MRI had accuracy rates of 77%, 50%, 50%, while EUS exhibited higher accuracy rates of 88%, 50% ...

8. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10996959/

State-of-the-art imaging in oesophago-gastric cancer - PMC This review describes the current evidence for state-of-the-art imaging techniques in oesophago-gastric cancer including high resolution MRI, diffusion-weighted ...