Using MRI to improve cancer radiotherapy
Official title: Northern Alberta Linac-MR Image-Guided Human Clinical Trials - 1
Run by AHS Cancer Control Alberta · NCT04358913 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if using special MRI scans can help doctors see tumors better during radiation treatment for adults with cancer.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 250 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | AHS Cancer Control Alberta Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Edmonton, Alberta) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 23, 2021 |
| Main results expected | January 2029 |
| Study ends | January 2029 |
| Registry record updated | November 3, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04358913 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are fit for high dose external beam radiation therapy.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with contraindications for MRI or those unable to lie flat and still during the scan may 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 pilot phase clinical trial aims to optimize magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences using the Alberta linac-MR P3 system for adult cancer patients undergoing high dose external beam radiotherapy. Participants will undergo a single MR imaging session lasting 30 to 40 minutes, with the potential for an optional sub-study involving five additional sessions to assess inter-fraction motion. The goal is to develop high-quality MR images that can enhance the visualization of tumors during treatment, ultimately improving patient outcomes in radiotherapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more accurate targeting of tumors during radiotherapy, potentially improving treatment effectiveness and reducing side effects.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of MRI in radiotherapy is an emerging field, similar studies have shown promise in improving treatment accuracy and patient outcomes.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults ≥ 18 years of age * Patients deemed fit to undergo high dose external beam radiation therapy by their attending radiation oncologist Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with contraindications for MRI * Patients who are unable to lie flat and still for the duration of the expected scan acquisition * Patients who are unable to provide informed consent
Where it's running
-
Cross Cancer Institute
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nawaid Usmani, MD — Cross Cancer Institute, Alberta Health Services
- Study coordinator: Nawaid Usmani, MD
- Email: Nawaid.Usmani@ahs.ca
- Phone: 780-432-8518
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Personalized two-fraction radiation for prostate cancer
This study tests a two-fraction, MRI-guided radiation approach for intermediate- to high-risk prostate cancer to see if targeting nodules can be safely effective.
-
Morning vs Flexible Timing Pembrolizumab in Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
This study tests whether giving pembrolizumab in the morning is better or the same as standard timing for people with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer who are eligible for this treatment.
-
Inhaled budesonide to prevent recurrent checkpoint inhibitor–related pneumonitis
This study tests whether adding inhaled budesonide to usual care can prevent recurrence of pneumonitis in adults who developed grade 2 or higher lung inflammation from checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy.
-
Vedolizumab to prevent ICI-related diarrhea or colitis in cancer patients
This study tests whether vedolizumab can prevent immune checkpoint inhibitor–related diarrhea or colitis in adults with unresectable or metastatic melanoma, lung, or kidney cancer starting immunotherapy.
-
Using SBRT to treat liver metastases from colorectal cancer after initial treatment
This study is testing if a special type of radiation therapy can help people with liver tumors from colorectal cancer feel better after their initial treatment.
-
Mesalamine to prevent colitis from ipilimumab plus nivolumab
This trial will try giving mesalamine to adults with advanced melanoma who are starting ipilimumab plus nivolumab to see if it lowers the chance and severity of immune-related diarrhea and colitis.
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.