New radiation-free MRI technique for staging cancer in children

Development of Radiation Free Whole Body MR Imaging Technique for Staging of Children With Cancer.

PHASE1; PHASE2 · Stanford University · NCT01542879

This study is testing a new MRI technique without radiation to see if it can better detect cancer spread in children with solid tumors compared to standard imaging methods.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE1; PHASE2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment75 (estimated)
Ages6 Years to 40 Years
SexAll
SponsorStanford University (other)
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Stanford, California)
Trial IDNCT01542879 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates a novel whole body magnetic resonance imaging (MR) technique combined with a new contrast agent, ferumoxytol, to assess the spread of solid tumors in children. It aims to compare the effectiveness of this new imaging method against standard imaging techniques like CT and PET scans. The primary goal is to determine if the new MR technique can provide similar or improved accuracy in detecting cancer spread while significantly reducing radiation exposure. The study includes children diagnosed with solid tumors who are scheduled for conventional imaging procedures.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children diagnosed with solid extra-cranial tumors who are scheduled for standard tumor staging procedures.

Not a fit: Patients with MR-incompatible metal implants, those requiring sedation, or those with a history of allergic reactions to iron compounds may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a safer imaging option for children with cancer, minimizing their exposure to harmful radiation.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques for cancer detection, but this specific approach is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of a solid extra-cranial tumor like malignant lymphoma or malignant sarcoma and
* Scheduled for or completed a 18F-FDG-PET or 18F-FDG-PET/CT tumor staging procedure.
* There will be no restrictions on prior treatment.
* Very young children who need sedation or anesthesia will be excluded from the study.
* In this pediatric \& adult study, the participant or parent/guardian is consented, and the patient when a minor is given an assent form and involved in the discussion as appropriate.

Exclusion Criteria:

* MR-incompatible metal implants,
* need of sedation or claustrophobia.
* Hemosiderosis/hemochromatosis (patients can still be included in 2nd branch without ferumoxytol)
* There will be restrictions regarding use of other Investigational Agents: Pt with iron-overload will not receive Ferumoxytol
* History of allergic reactions to similar compounds will be obtained and patients with a positive history of allergic reaction to iron compounds or other severe allergic reactions.will be excluded from the study.
* Pregnant women and fetuses.

Where this trial is running

Stanford, California

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.