Northern Alberta Linac-MR Image-Guided Radiotherapy (Northern LIGHTs-2)

Launched by AHS CANCER CONTROL ALBERTA · Jun 7, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The Northern LIGHTs-2 trial is studying a new type of cancer treatment that uses special imaging technology called MRI to help guide radiation therapy. Traditional treatments often rely on CT scans, which may not always give a clear picture of the cancer. This trial is testing a new machine called the Linac-MR, which combines radiation therapy with MRI scans to hopefully improve how doctors can target cancer during treatment. The main goals of this early phase study are to ensure that patients can complete their scheduled treatments and to monitor how well the treatment works, including any side effects.

To participate in this trial, applicants must be at least 18 years old and in good enough health to receive radiation therapy. They should also be able to come back for follow-up visits after treatment. However, some people may not be eligible, such as those who cannot undergo MRI scans or lie still during treatment. If you join the trial, you can expect close monitoring from the medical team, and researchers hope to learn more about how this innovative approach can improve cancer care in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adults ≥ 18 years of age
• • Patients deemed fit to undergo external beam radiation therapy by their attending radiation oncologist
• • Accessible for follow-up
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients with contraindications for MRI
• • Patients who are unable to lie flat and still for the duration of the expected scan acquisition and treatment
• • Patients who are unable to provide informed consent
• • Patients with clinically significant inferior treatment plans compared to standard CT based external beam plans. For example, plans that generate hot spots of \> 110% or other unacceptable treatment plans that would not otherwise arise with standard CT based external beam plans.
• • Pregnancy