MRI Monitoring for Prostate Cancer
(NA_00067284 Trial)
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
Prostate cancer is one of most common cancers in America, affecting 1 in 6 men. External beam radiation therapy is one of the common methods to treat prostate cancer. Although radiotherapy is effective, side effects to the adjacent normal organs limit the therapeutic ratio. Those side effects are usually associated with the radiation damage of the normal tissue surrounding prostate, e.g. bladder, urethra and rectum etc. Both effectiveness and the side effects of radiation treatment are often accessed after whole course of radiotherapy, which makes the early intervention difficult. The current research project is a feasibility study of utilizing advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques to access radiotherapy treatment response of prostate cancer during and right after radiotherapy. Many advanced MRI techniques, e.g. spectroscopy (MRS), diffusion-weighted (DWI), dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) perfusion weighted images, have been used in radiology departments for diagnostic purpose. This research project is to study the feasibility of using advanced MRI sequences to monitor tissue response during and after radiotherapy. The tissue changes revealed from MRI can provide physicians early information on possible tumor recurrence and normal tissue toxicity, therefore, the early intervention may be possible to spare normal tissue and cure the patient. The project is designed to combine several different advanced MRI imaging techniques systematically to study tissue changes during radiotherapy, which has not been seen elsewhere to date. Another important goal of this research project is to study the feasibility of associating functional MRI with radiation treatment dose distribution. Tissue response during radiation treatment depends on dose. The functional MRI can provide more information than simple anatomic information. Mapping the functional MRI spatially and associating them with 3D dose distribution in radiation treatment planning system is one important step to quantitative assess the relationship between radiation treatment and tissue changes due to the radiation.
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 MRI imaging as a treatment for prostate cancer?
MRI imaging, especially multiparametric MRI (mpMRI), is effective in managing prostate cancer by improving the detection of significant cancers, aiding in treatment planning, and potentially reducing the need for repeated biopsies. It also helps in assessing the aggressiveness of the cancer, which is crucial for deciding the best treatment approach.12345
Is MRI safe for monitoring prostate cancer?
How does MRI monitoring differ from other treatments for prostate cancer?
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for men with confirmed prostate cancer who are planning to receive external radiation treatment. It's not suitable for those with a cardiac pacemaker, metal implants, chronic kidney disease, an inability to undergo MRI scans, or allergies to gadolinium-based contrast agents.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Trial Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline MRI and Treatment Planning
First MRI scan conducted prior to radiation treatment during patient simulation for baseline information and treatment planning
Radiation Treatment with Mid-course MRI
Participants undergo routine radiation treatment with a second MRI scan conducted mid-course
End of Treatment MRI
Third MRI scan conducted at the end of radiation treatment to assess treatment response
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including routine follow-up data collection on tumor response and normal tissue toxicity
Treatment Details
Interventions
- MRI imaging (Imaging)