Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

Using advanced MRI techniques to differentiate between benign and malignant kidney masses

Official title: Investigation of Differential Biology of Benign and Malignant Renal Masses Using Advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging Techniques

Run by University of Cambridge · NCT06016075 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing advanced MRI techniques to see if they can help doctors tell the difference between harmless and harmful kidney masses, so patients can avoid unnecessary surgeries.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment30 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Cambridge
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cambridge, Cambridgeshire)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJanuary 1, 2023
Main results expectedAugust 31, 2025
Study endsJanuary 1, 2026
Registry record updatedDecember 5, 2024
Trial IDNCT06016075 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include adults over 18 with radiologically suspected or pathologically confirmed benign or malignant renal masses.

Probably not a fit

Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have contraindications to MRI 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 non-invasive imaging techniques to better understand the biology of renal masses, both benign and malignant. It utilizes advanced MRI methods, including Hyperpolarised MRI, Sodium MRI, and Deuterium metabolic imaging, to acquire detailed imaging data from human tissues. Participants will receive injections of hyperpolarised 13C pyruvate or consume deuterated glucose, allowing researchers to monitor metabolic changes in the kidney masses. The goal is to optimize imaging protocols to reduce unnecessary surgeries and biopsies for patients with renal masses.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate diagnoses and reduce unnecessary treatments for patients with kidney masses.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies using advanced imaging techniques have shown promise, but this specific approach is novel and untested.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Over 18 years old
* Able to and provide written informed consent to participate
* If female, postmenopausal or if women of child bearing potential (WOCBP) using a suitable contraception
* If male, using a suitable contraceptive method for the duration of the study
* Radiologically suspected or pathologically confirmed benign or malignant renal masses, as determined by standard clinical practice
* Capable of undergoing a minimum of one study visit

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contraindication or inability to tolerate MRI
* Pregnant or actively breast-feeding woman
* If using an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) as a method of contraception the device should be MRI safe at 3 T (researcher to confirm)
* Clinically significant cardiac, pulmonary or neurological diseases as determined by the investigators
* Laboratory abnormalities that may impact on the study results
* Any other significant medical or psychiatric history rendering the subject ineligible as deemed by the investigators

Where it's running

  • University Department of Radiology
    Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Ferdia A Gallagher, MD PhD — Principal Investigator
  • Study coordinator: Ines Horvat-Menih, MD
  • Email: ih357@cam.ac.uk
  • Phone: +44 1223 767062

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.