Using 4D-MRI to improve cancer treatment planning
Official title: Toward Precision Radiotherapy: Physiological Modeling of Respiratory Motion Based on Ultra-quality 4D-MRI
Run by University of Virginia · NCT04657042 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new type of MRI that creates 3D movies of the lungs and liver while you breathe to see if it can help doctors plan better radiation treatments for lung and liver cancer patients.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 82 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Virginia Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Charlottesville, Virginia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 5, 2020 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2030 |
| Registry record updated | May 6, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04657042 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include adults aged 21 or older with primary or metastatic lung or liver tumors less than 7 cm who are scheduled to receive radiation therapy.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with contraindications for MRI procedures, such as those with metallic implants or devices, will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to develop advanced medical imaging techniques using four-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (4D-MRI) to create three-dimensional movies of the lungs and liver while patients breathe. The focus is on enhancing radiation therapy for lung and liver cancer patients by accurately capturing tumor motion and improving treatment planning. By integrating 4D-MRI into the radiation therapy process, the study seeks to provide better targeting and dose estimation for tumors, addressing the limitations of current imaging methods. Healthy volunteers will also participate to help validate the imaging technique.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more precise and effective radiation therapy for cancer patients, potentially improving treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While 4D-MRI is a novel approach in this context, previous studies have shown success with advanced imaging techniques in improving cancer treatment planning.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:The inclusion criteria for lung and liver cancer patients are: * Patient is 21 or older * Patient has primary or metastatic tumor(s) in the lungs or the liver * Diameter of the tumor(s) is less than 7 cm * Patient will receive radiation therapy (ordered by the treating Radiation Oncologist) as part of their treatment regimen * Patient will undergo a planning CT scan with tumor motion assessment (planning 4D-CT ordered by the treating Radiation Oncologist) as part of their treatment regimen * Patient has signed informed consent and is willing to comply with the 4D-MRI imaging protocol The inclusion criteria for healthy volunteers are: * Subject is 18 or older * Subject has signed informed consent and is willing to comply with the 4D-MRI imaging protocol Exclusion Criteria: * Any condition for which a MRI procedure is contraindicated including presence of metallic material in the body, such as pacemakers, non- MRI compatible surgical clips, shrapnel, etc. * Subjects who have difficulty lying flat on their back for extended periods of time * Patients with any serious/poorly controlled medical or psychological conditions that would complicate protocol compliance * Too large to adequately fit in the magnet bore or RF coils * Claustrophobia * Females who are pregnant or lactating * Presence of active or chronic infection
Where it's running
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University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: G. Wilson Miller, PhD — Univsersity of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Roselove N Nunoo-Asare, MA
- Email: RNN3B@VIRGINIA.EDU
- Phone: 4342436074
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.