Using MRI to Improve Radiotherapy Planning for Rectal Cancer

Advances in Imaging to Assess Response in Rectal Cancer (AIR-REC)

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde · NCT06822634

This study is testing if using regular MRI scans can help doctors better plan radiotherapy for patients with rectal cancer.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (other)
Locations1 site (Glasgow)
Trial IDNCT06822634 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to assess the feasibility of acquiring serial MRI images to enhance radiotherapy planning for patients with rectal cancer. By utilizing MRI, which provides superior soft tissue contrast compared to traditional CT scans, the study seeks to improve the accuracy of target volume delineation in radiotherapy. The research focuses on patients with histologically confirmed rectal adenocarcinoma who are scheduled for radical radiotherapy. The study will evaluate whether routine MRI imaging can be effectively integrated into the treatment planning process for locally advanced rectal cancer.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with histologically confirmed rectal adenocarcinoma and specific high-risk factors scheduled for radical radiotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to MRI or those who have previously received radiotherapy to the pelvis may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more precise radiotherapy planning, potentially improving treatment outcomes for rectal cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of MRI in radiotherapy planning is gaining traction, this specific approach is still being evaluated for its feasibility and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Histologically confirmed rectal adenocarcinoma.
* T stage 3b or above and/or high risk factors eg. EMVI, nodal disease.
* Participant able to give written informed consent.
* Male or non-pregnant female ≥18 years of age.
* Scheduled to undergo radical radiotherapy.
* Patients willing and able to comply with the protocol for the duration of study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contra-indications to MRI, such as claustrophobia, excessive body weight, MRI unsafe implants, ferrous metal in the body, insufficient information on prior surgeries. MRI conditional implants where conditions cannot be met (e.g pacemakers).
* Any previous radiotherapy to the pelvis.
* Inflammatory bowel disease.
* Other severe or uncontrolled systemic disease or evidence of any other significant disorder or lab finding that makes it undesirable for the patient to participate in the study, as determined by the treating clinician.
* History of physical or psychiatric disorder that would prevent informed consent and compliance with the protocol.
* Patients with de-functioning stoma.
* Major surgery within 28 days prior to trial entry.

Where this trial is running

Glasgow

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Colorectal Cancer, Colorectal cancer, colorectal cancer, CRC, MRI

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.