Using MRI to improve radiation therapy planning for cancer treatment

Judging MR Simulation Procedures: A Phase I-II Study of the Use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Simulation in the Planning of Radiation Treatments

Not applicable Interventional Brigham and Women's Hospital · NCT04545957

This study is testing whether using MRI scans can help doctors plan better radiation treatments for people with different types of cancer, like prostate and liver cancer.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment86 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorBrigham and Women's Hospital Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations2 sites (Boston, Massachusetts and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04545957 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the feasibility and efficacy of incorporating magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) simulation into the planning of radiation treatments for various cancers, including prostate, liver, and head and neck cancers. The study is divided into two phases: Phase I focuses on determining the feasibility of using an MRI simulator for radiation therapy planning, while Phase II explores the efficacy of adjusting radiation therapy based on MRI simulation data. The trial aims to enhance the precision of radiation delivery to tumors by utilizing advanced imaging techniques.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with confirmed malignancies requiring radiation therapy and an ECOG performance status of 2 or lower.

Not a fit: Patients who cannot undergo an MRI or have a history of allergic reactions to gadolinium-based contrast agents may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more effective and targeted radiation treatments for cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using MRI for radiation therapy planning, indicating that this approach is gaining traction in the field.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Participants must have a confirmed malignancy requiring radiation therapy.
* Age: 18 years or older
* ECOG performance status ≤2 (Karnofsky ≥60%, see Appendix A)
* Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document.
* Disease-specific eligibility criteria will be specified in the appropriate subprotocol.

Exclusion Criteria:

* For MRI involving contrast, history of allergic reactions attributed to gadolinium based IV contrast. Note: If patient will not receive contrast, this is not applicable
* Participants who cannot undergo an MRI
* Disease-specific exclusion criteria will be specified in the appropriate subprotocol

Where this trial is running

Boston, Massachusetts and 1 other locations

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 Prostate CancerRecurrent AdenocarcinomaLiver CancerHead and Neck Cancer
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.