Evaluating changes in MR imaging and biological parameters during radiotherapy for cancer

MR-BIO: A Study to Evaluate Changes in MR Imaging and Biological Parameters

University of Manchester · NCT04903236

This study is testing how tumors and healthy tissues change during cancer treatment with advanced MRI technology and weekly blood and urine samples from patients receiving standard care.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment250 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Manchester (other)
Locations1 site (Manchester)
Trial IDNCT04903236 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The MR-BIO study investigates how tumors and normal tissues change during radiotherapy by utilizing high-resolution MR imaging from an MR Linear accelerator. Participants receiving standard care at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust will provide weekly blood and urine samples throughout their treatment. The study aims to correlate these imaging and biological changes with clinical outcomes, enhancing the precision of cancer treatment. This observational study includes all patients treated with the MR Linac, regardless of tumor site.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 years old who are undergoing radiotherapy at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and can provide consent.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to MRI or those unable to tolerate MR scans may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved targeting of tumors and reduced damage to normal tissues during radiotherapy.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies utilizing advanced imaging techniques in radiotherapy have shown promising results, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Be willing and able to provide written consent. Over 18 years of age. Undergo and satisfy MRI Safety Screening Patient volunteers must be under the care of a clinical oncologist at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and be planned to receive radiotherapy to the target site to be imaged.

Patient volunteers must be able to give blood and/or urine sample as required through the treatment period.

Non-patient (healthy) volunteers must have no known or suspected significant medical condition.

Exclusion Criteria:

The following apply to both patients and healthy volunteers:

Any conditions that would be a contra-indication to MRI including:

* Failure to satisfy MRI Safety Screening Form
* Implanted pacemakers and/or pacing wires
* Cochlear implants
* Programmable hydrocephalus shunts
* Ferromagnetic implants
* Unable to tolerate MR scans
* Known HIV or active HepB or C
* Pregnancy Healthy volunteers must not be a member of the study team.

Where this trial is running

Manchester

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Cancer

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.