Can Imaging be an Alternative to Exercise Testing as a Predictor of Surgical Fitness?

Launched by UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS OF NORTH MIDLANDS NHS TRUST · Aug 5, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring a new way to assess whether patients are fit for surgery, particularly those facing operations for gastric, esophageal, or pancreatic cancer. Traditionally, doctors use a test called Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET), which requires patients to cycle on a stationary bike until they reach their physical limit. However, this test can be tough for some patients, especially if they have difficulty exercising. In this study, researchers are investigating whether a different method called Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) can be used instead. MRS measures fat levels in thigh muscles, which may help predict surgical fitness without the need for strenuous exercise.

To participate, patients must be at least 18 years old and have been diagnosed with gastric, esophageal, or pancreatic cancer. They should also be referred for a CPET test. Staff members aged 18 and older can also volunteer for the study. Participants will undergo an MRS scan, usually on the same day as the CPET, and the results will be compared to see if MRS can effectively measure fitness for surgery. This trial aims to provide an alternative assessment method that might be easier for patients while still ensuring they are ready for their operations.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Inclusion criteria for patients (cohort 1)
• • Patients diagnosed oesophageal/gastric or pancreatic cancer.
• • Patients who have or a under consideration for a CPET investigation.
• • Aged ≥ 18.
• • Existing UHNM Patient.
• • Willing and able to give fully informed consent.
• • Willing and able to comply with the study procedures.
• • Inclusion criteria for staff volunteers (cohort 2)
• • Aged ≥ 18 years.
• • Willing and able to give fully informed consent.
• • Willing and able to comply with the study procedures.
• • UHNM member of staff.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Exclusion criteria for patients (cohort 1)
• • Patients with contraindications to MRI due to safety at 3T.
• • Patients with metalwork within the imaging field of view (e.g., knee replacement).
• • Claustrophobic patients.
• • Patients outside of stated age range to ensure informed consent.
• • Patients not referred for CPET investigations.
• • Patients that are pregnant.
• • Patients that are unable to communicate in English.
• • Patients lacking the capacity and capability to give fully informed consent.
• • Patients participating in any other interventional studies with a contraindication to their participation.
• • Patients for whom the addition of an MRS scan would delay any part of their standard treatment pathway.
• • History of diabetes.
• • Exclusion criteria for staff volunteers (cohort 2)
• • Volunteers with contraindications to MRI due to safety at 3T.
• • Volunteers with metalwork within the imaging field of view (e.g., knee replacement).
• • Claustrophobic volunteers.
• • Volunteers outside of stated age range to ensure informed consent.
• • Volunteers that are pregnant.
• • Volunteers that are unable to communicate in English.
• • Volunteers lacking the capacity and capability to give fully informed consent.
• • Volunteers participating in any other interventional studies with a contraindication to their participation.
• • Known or suspected medical conditions pertinent to the area being scanned.
• • History of diabetes.