Advanced MRI to detect early radiation response in cervical cancer
Advanced diffusion MRI for evaluating early response to radiation treatment in cervical cancer
This project checks whether a new diffusion MRI scan can show early response to radiation in people with early-stage cervical cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11224993 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If I have early-stage cervical cancer and am getting radiation, the team will use a new kind of diffusion MRI to image my tumor before and soon after treatment starts. This MRI method aims to measure tissue changes without radiation exposure or contrast dye, offering a safer alternative to PET/CT. Researchers will take scans over time and compare the imaging signals to see which tumors are responding quickly and which are not. The goal is to find an early, reliable imaging marker of treatment response that could guide less invasive care decisions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with early-stage (≥IB) cervical cancer who plan to receive radiation therapy and can come to the study site for MRI scans.
Not a fit: People with very advanced cervical cancer, those not treated with radiation, or anyone unable to undergo MRI (for example due to incompatible implants) may not benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could let doctors detect treatment response earlier and help avoid unnecessary radical surgery or additional harmful treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research indicates diffusion MRI can reflect tumor changes after therapy, but this advanced diffusion technique is novel and is being tested for timing and accuracy.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rakow-Penner, Rebecca Ann — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Rakow-Penner, Rebecca Ann
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.