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Screening for liver metastases in high-risk colorectal cancer patients using MRI

Screening for Synchronous Metastases in Colorectal Cancer With DW-MRI.

Not applicable Interventional Imperial College London · NCT02246634

This study is testing if a special type of MRI can find liver cancer spread earlier in patients with high-risk colorectal cancer compared to regular CT scans.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment282 (estimated)
Ages16 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorImperial College London Academic / other
Locations13 sites (Macclesfield, Cheshire and 12 other locations)
Trial IDNCT02246634 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Diffusion Weighted MRI (DW-MRI) in detecting synchronous liver metastases in patients with high-risk colorectal cancer, compared to standard CT imaging. Eligible participants will undergo DW-MRI scans every six months for three years following surgery, provided they have no prior evidence of liver metastases. The findings from these scans will be shared with local multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) to guide treatment decisions for any identified liver metastases. The goal is to improve early detection and management of metastatic disease.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients aged 16 years or older with high-risk primary colorectal malignancies and no prior evidence of liver metastases.

Not a fit: Patients with previous colorectal malignancies, existing metastatic disease, or contraindications for MRI will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of liver metastases in colorectal cancer patients, potentially improving survival outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques like DW-MRI for detecting metastases, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Have a high risk primary colorectal malignancy
2. Have a negative CT or includes no confirmatory evidence of liver metastases
3. Is able to undergo treatment if liver metastasis is found
4. Have provided written informed consent to participate in the study
5. Be aged 16 years or over

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Have had a previous colorectal malignancy
2. Have metastatic disease
3. Have a synchronous second malignancy
4. Are contraindicated for MRI
5. Has a T3b or below low rectal tumour without EMVI or N1c

Where this trial is running

Macclesfield, Cheshire and 12 other locations

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 → Find more trials like this →
Conditions Colorectal NeoplasmsNeoplasm MetastasesHepatic NeoplasmsMagnetic Resonance ImagingDiffusion Weighted MRITumorsNeoplasms, Rectal
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.