Using MRI to improve gynecologic cancer treatment with brachytherapy
Official title: A Clinical Trial To Evaluate Image-Guided Gynecologic Brachytherapy In The MR Simulator Suite
Run by Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins · NCT02993900 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if using MRI instead of traditional CT scans can help improve brachytherapy treatment for women with gynecologic cancers by better targeting tumors and reducing radiation exposure to healthy tissues.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 54 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy, radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Baltimore, Maryland) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 15, 2016 |
| Main results expected | December 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2028 |
| Registry record updated | December 18, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT02993900 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include adults over 18 with confirmed gynecologic cancers eligible for internal brachytherapy implantation.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with early-stage cancers that do not require brachytherapy or those with a life expectancy of less than 6 months 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 research evaluates the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to guide brachytherapy for patients with gynecologic cancers, including cervical, uterine, vaginal, vulvar, and bladder cancers. The study aims to determine if MRI can provide better tumor assessment and placement of the brachytherapy applicator compared to traditional CT scans. By comparing dosimetric values and toxicity rates, the investigators hope to reduce radiation exposure to healthy tissues while improving treatment outcomes. Participants will be monitored for toxicity rates at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years post-treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more effective and safer treatment options for patients with gynecologic cancers.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results using MRI for treatment planning in radiation therapy, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Participants must have histologically or cytologically confirmed carcinoma. Central pathology review is not required; however, pathology will be reviewed at the SKCCC at Johns Hopkins. * Site/Stage * Any patient eligible for internal implantation without MR guidance will be considered eligible for this protocol. Standard criteria for internal implantation include: * Carcinoma of the cervix: Stage I-IVA or vaginal recurrence * Carcinoma of the uterus: Stage IIIB (vaginal involvement), inoperable, or vaginal recurrence * Carcinoma of the vagina: Stage I-IVA or vaginal recurrence * Carcinoma of the vulva: Stage I-IVA or recurrence * Carcinoma of the urethra based on treating physician's discretion * Patients who have received prior radiation or chemotherapy may be enrolled on this study. * Age \> 18 years. Children do not develop these malignancies and therefore are not considered candidates for this trial. * Life expectancy of greater than 6 months. * ECOG performance status of \<2 or greater, based on treating physician's discretion * MRI of the pelvis or PET-CT within 4 months before registration * Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document. Exclusion Criteria: * Uncontrolled intercurrent illness including, but not limited to ongoing or active infection, symptomatic congestive heart failure, unstable angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmia, or psychiatric illness/social situations that would limit compliance with study requirements. * Absolute neutrophil count \< 500 at the time of enrollment * A history of metal in the head or eyes
Where it's running
-
The SKCCC at Johns Hopkins
Baltimore, Maryland, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Akila Viswanathan, M.D. — Johns Hopkins Department of Radiation Oncology
- Study coordinator: Shirley DiPasquale, R.N.
- Email: sdipasq1@jhmi.edu
- Phone: 410-614-1598
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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.