Using MRI to improve radiation treatment planning for breast cancer

Magnetic Resonance Imaging in RadiotheRapy fOr bReast Cancer (MIRROR): A Pilot Study of MRI Simulation

Observational University of California, San Francisco · NCT05902507

This study is testing if using MRI scans can help doctors plan better radiation treatments for breast cancer patients compared to the usual CT scans.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of California, San Francisco Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (San Francisco, California)
Trial IDNCT05902507 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study evaluates the feasibility and effectiveness of incorporating magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) simulation into the radiation treatment planning process for breast cancer patients. The primary objective is to assess whether MRI can be successfully acquired prior to planning radiation therapy. Additionally, the study aims to explore changes in target volume when using MRI simulation compared to traditional computerized tomography (CT) simulation. The MRI simulation will be performed once at baseline, with no follow-up specifically for the study, as patients will continue to receive regular clinical care.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are female patients with pathologically confirmed invasive or in situ breast cancer who are indicated for adjuvant breast radiotherapy following breast-conserving surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to MRI or those who do not meet the inclusion criteria may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance the precision of radiation therapy for breast cancer, potentially improving treatment outcomes.

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

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Participants with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status \<=2 (or Karnofsky ≥\>=60%, see Appendix A).
2. Participants with the ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document.
3. Participants may separately enroll on therapeutic clinical trials when they enroll on this trial. Note: All interventions on this protocol are standard of care, so enrollment on other therapeutic protocols is allowed at the discretion of the treating physician.
4. Patients must have pathologically confirmed invasive or in situ breast cancer.
5. Patients must have tumors in which adjuvant breast radiotherapy following breast conserving surgery is indicated, as determined by the treating physician.
6. Patients must be female. Note: Male patients are excluded due to the rarity of male breast cancer and difficulty in pursuing breast conserving surgery for male patients.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Participants with a contraindication to MRI per the MRI checklist.
2. Patients with breast tumor or tumor bed not visualized at CT or MRI during RT planning.

Where this trial is running

San Francisco, California

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 Breast CancerImaging
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.