Using MRI to guide radiation treatment for liver and pancreatic cancer

A Feasibility Study of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) as a Platform for Image Guidance and Adaptive Radiation Therapy in Patients With Liver or Pancreatic Cancer

Observational University Health Network, Toronto · NCT03582189

This study is testing if using MRI scans to guide radiation treatment can help people with liver or pancreatic cancer get better care during their therapy sessions.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Health Network, Toronto Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Toronto, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT03582189 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study evaluates the feasibility of using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a guidance tool before each radiation treatment session for patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer or liver cancer. Patients will undergo five MRIs during their radiation therapy sessions, with the aim of improving treatment planning based on real-time imaging data. Additionally, participants will complete questionnaires to assess their satisfaction with the MRI process and its impact on their treatment. The study will enroll 30 patients to gather insights on the effectiveness of this approach.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with locally advanced pancreatic cancer or hepatocellular carcinoma who are scheduled for radiation therapy.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications for MRI, such as those with ferromagnetic implants or severe claustrophobia, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the precision of radiation therapy for patients with liver and pancreatic cancers, potentially leading to better treatment outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of MRI in radiation treatment planning is gaining interest, this specific approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients 18 years or older
* Diagnosed with locally advanced pancreatic cancer or hepatocellular carcinoma being considered for treatment with chemoradiation, long course RT, or SBRT with curative intent or palliative intent, planned for 5 or more RT fractions

Exclusion Criteria:

\- Contraindications for MRI: ferromagnetic prosthesis, pacemaker / implanted defibrillator, claustrophobia

Where this trial is running

Toronto, Ontario

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.
Conditions Magnetic Resonance ImagingLiver CancerPancreatic CancerRadiation
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.