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Contact the study team using the details below to take part. If there are no contact details below please ask your doctor in the first instance.

Contact Information:

Dr Marta Wylot
+44 (0)1223 767062
marta.wylot@nhs.net


Prof Ferdia Gallagher
+44 (0)1223 767062
ferdia.gallagher@nhs.net


Ms Maria Zamora
-
maria.zamoramorales@nhs.net


Study Location:

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Be Part of Research - Trial Details - Exploring new MRI techniques - a study in healthy volunteers and healthy patients
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Exploring new MRI techniques - a study in healthy volunteers and healthy patients

Recruiting

Open to: All Genders

Age: Adult

Cambridge

Medical Conditions

Healthy volunteers and healthy patients with known specific genotypes

This information is provided directly by researchers, and we recognise that it isn't always easy to understand. We are working with researchers to improve the accessibility of this information. In some summaries, you may come across links to external websites. These websites will have more information to help you better understand the study.



Background and study aims
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (or MRI) plays an important role in detecting, diagnosing, and monitoring different diseases in the body. We often use contrast-enhanced MRI, which enhances and improves the quality of the MRI images. This type of MRI involves an injection of a chemical substance often called gadolinium-based contrast agent.
In this study we aim to develop novel imaging methods for cancer diagnostics and treatment monitoring. When developing a new method, we need healthy volunteers to help define the limits of "normal." Similarly, it is useful to know what the images look like in healthy patients, i.e. patient with a known genetic predisposition to cancer but without manifested cancer. Healthy volunteers and healthy patients are given the same procedure that the patient group receives. Investigators learn about the disease process by comparing the healthy volunteers’ and healthy patients’ images to the cancer patients’ images.

Start dates may differ between countries and research sites. The research team are responsible for keeping the information up-to-date.  

The recruitment start and end dates are as follows:

29 Aug 2023 30 Nov 2025

We would like you to come for up to three study visits where you will have an MRI scan. We are studying three different ways of taking pictures: one involves getting an injection of a safe substance and then having a scan; another involves drinking a sweet drink and then having a scan; and the last one just requires an MRI scan. You might be asked to take part in one, two, or all three of these scans, depending on your agreement and if you are eligible. If you agree to have more than one scan, we will try to do them on the same visit. You can choose to take part in one scan and not in the others. If you are willing to have more than one scan, it will help us compare the different ways of taking pictures to see what each one is good for.
If possible, we would also like to check how reliable each method is by asking some people to come for an extra imaging session at some point during the study. This is optional and will help us understand the methods better.
During your visit(s), we might ask you to give a small sample of your blood. We will use this to check the levels of some simple substances in your blood. It will help us understand the pictures better. You do not have to do this if you do not want to.


Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an important tool used by doctors to detect, diagnose, and keep an eye on various diseases inside the body. We often use a special type of MRI that uses a substance known as a "contrast agent" to make the pictures even clearer and more helpful. You can either receive this substance through an injection into your body or take it as a drink before the scan.
In this research project, we are working on creating new ways to take pictures of cancer and keep track of how it is doing during treatment. To do this, we need the help of some people who are in good health to make sure we understand what a normal picture looks like. We also want to know what the pictures look like in people who are healthy but might have a higher chance of getting cancer because of their genes. These healthy volunteers and patients get the same imaging procedure that people with cancer get. By comparing the pictures from the healthy volunteers and patients to those from people with cancer, we can learn more about how the disease works.

You can take part if:



You may not be able to take part if:


The presence of any of the following will preclude participation as determined by the delegated investigator:1. Contraindication or inability to tolerate MRI 2. Pregnant or actively breastfeeding woman3. If using an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) as a method of contraception the device should be MRI-safe at 3 T (researcher to confirm)4. Clinically significant cardiac, pulmonary or neurological diseases as determined by the investigators5. Laboratory abnormalities that may impact the study results although no screening will be required for entry into the study.6. Any other significant medical or psychiatric history rendering the subject ineligible as deemed by the investigators


Below are the locations for where you can take part in the trial. Please note that not all sites may be open.

  • Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
    Cambridge Biomedical Campus Hills Road
    Cambridge
    CB2 0QQ

Taking part in this study may not directly help you, but it could help doctors find better ways to check for and keep track of illnesses without using invasive methods. You will not be paid for taking part, we can cover your travel and parking costs.
Potential risks
MRI Scans: MRI scans are safe and do not involve X-rays or radioactivity. Some people might feel a bit closed-in (claustrophobic) or bothered by the noise, but you will be given earplugs and a squeeze-ball to help you feel more comfortable. The imaging software and hardware used are for research and not yet approved for routine diagnosis.
Incidental Findings: Although the scans are not part of your medical record, if we notice anything unusual, we will consult a specialist who may need to discuss it with you and your doctor.
Cannulation (inserting a small tube into a vein): This is a common procedure and is generally safe, but it might cause some discomfort or bruising at the insertion site. The cannula will be removed immediately after the scan.
Injection containing a substance called pyruvate: The injection is generally safe, with only mild and short-lasting side effects like flushing, feeling hot, dizziness or a metallic taste. Allergic reactions are highly unlikely, but we are prepared to manage any issues that may arise.
Sweet drink containing a substance called deuterated glucose: Glucose is a natural sugar that our body uses for energy, and deuterium is a safe form of hydrogen that is also found naturally in small amounts in our body. Scientists have previously studied water and glucose containing deuterium in people, and they did not find safety concerns. Any potential side effects will be managed by our team.

Prof Ferdia Gallagher
+44 (0)1223 767062
ferdia.gallagher@nhs.net


Ms Maria Zamora
-
maria.zamoramorales@nhs.net


Dr Marta Wylot
+44 (0)1223 767062
marta.wylot@nhs.net



The study is sponsored by Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and funded by Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge.



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Read full details for Trial ID: ISRCTN13008110
Last updated 22 July 2024

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