Tests a dual-energy CT scan to outline tumors for radiotherapy
Tests a CT scan method in adults with cancer spread or head and neck cancer.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Dual Energy CT - a Tool for Delineation of Tumor and Organs at Risk in Radiotherapy
Key facts
- Where
- Aalborg, Herlev, and Odense, DenmarkSee the 3 sites
Where in Denmark
- Aalborg University HospitalAalborg, DenmarkTaking people
- Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev and GentofteHerlev, DenmarkNot yet recruiting
- Odense University HospitalOdense, DenmarkTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Aalborg University Hospital
- Trial code
- NCT07185958
- Record updated
- 29 October 2026
- Original description
The primary aim of this clinical study, 'Dual Energy CT - a tool for delineation of tumor and organs at risk in radiotherapy' (DART) is to evaluate whether dual-energy CT (DECT) is at least as effective as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in delineating both tumors and organs at risk (OARs) in patients referred for radiotherapy (RT). This primary aim will be explored in patient groups where the performance of DECT for RT has been described in the literature (but mostly based on signal-to-noise ratio and/or contrast-to-noise ratio), such as brain metastases (sub-cohort 'DART Brain') and head and neck cancer (sub-cohort 'DART H\&N'). Additionally, DART will explore diagnoses not yet studied in the literature, such as bone metastases (sub-cohort 'DART Bone'). If DECT could be demonstrated to achieve delineations for RT in both tumors and OARs that are equally accurate as those based on MRI, it could offer significant advantages by being faster and more cost-effective, making DECT a valuable alternative to MRI in clinical practice. As a secondary aim, the study will evaluate whether DART offers benefits when added to standard RT imaging for tumor and OAR delineation: (1) For lung cancer patients (sub-cohort 'DART Lung'), where MRI scans are typically not valuable due to tumor motion caused by breathing, 'DART Lung' will assess whether DECT performed in breath-hold provides added value compared to the single-energy CT (SECT) scan conducted during free breathing, as used in current clinical practice. (2) For head and neck cancer patients, 'DART H\&N' will evaluate whether DECT offers added value compared to the positron emission tomography (PET)/CT scan currently used in clinical practice.Read full original descriptionShow less
Dual Energy CT - a Tool for Delineation of Tumor and Organs at Risk in Radiotherapy
The primary aim of this clinical study, 'Dual Energy CT - a tool for delineation of tumor and organs at risk in radiotherapy' (DART) is to evaluate whether dual-energy CT (DECT) is at least as effective as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in delineating both tumors and organs at risk (OARs) in patients referred for radiotherapy (RT). This primary aim will be explored in patient groups where the performance of DECT for RT has been described in the literature (but mostly based on signal-to-noise ratio and/or contrast-to-noise ratio), such as brain metastases (sub-cohort 'DART Brain') and head and neck cancer (sub-cohort 'DART H\&N'). Additionally, DART will explore diagnoses not yet studied in the literature, such as bone metastases (sub-cohort 'DART Bone'). If DECT could be demonstrated to achieve delineations for RT in both tumors and OARs that are equally accurate as those based on MRI, it could offer significant advantages by being faster and more cost-effective, making DECT a valuable alternative to MRI in clinical practice. As a secondary aim, the study will evaluate whether DART offers benefits when added to standard RT imaging for tumor and OAR delineation: (1) For lung cancer patients (sub-cohort 'DART Lung'), where MRI scans are typically not valuable due to tumor motion caused by breathing, 'DART Lung' will assess whether DECT performed in breath-hold provides added value compared to the single-energy CT (SECT) scan conducted during free breathing, as used in current clinical practice. (2) For head and neck cancer patients, 'DART H\&N' will evaluate whether DECT offers added value compared to the positron emission tomography (PET)/CT scan currently used in clinical practice.
Inclusion: Age ≥18 years; ECOG performance status (PS) 0-2; Assessed to be able to complete the protocol scanning regime; Referred for RT; Signed informed consent; For patients with brain metastasis (cohort A): 1-5 brain metastases referred for ei-ther whole brain or stereotactic RT; For patients with bone metastasis (cohort B): Metastases in one or more regions of the vertebral column (C1-C7, Th1-12, L1-L5, Os Sacrum), without medullary involve-ment, referred for either palliative or stereotactic RT; For head and neck cancer patients (cohort C): A PET/CT scan must have been per-formed during the diagnostic evaluation for cancer; For lung cancer patients (cohort D): Only patients referred for palliative RT with a maximum of 10 fractions.
Exclusion: Previous RT in the same anatomical area now referred for RT; Previous surgery in the same anatomical area now referred for RT; If relevant for the protocol scanning regime: Contraindication for MRI (pacemaker, metal, non-MRI, compatible implants etc.); If relevant for the protocol scanning regime: Allergic to contrast agent; Pregnancy; Participation in conflicting protocols; If relevant for the protocol scanning regime: Contraindication to iodine-based contrast agent for CT (as determined by the physician); If relevant for the protocol scanning regime: Contraindication to Gadolinium-based contrast agent for MRI (as determined by the physician); Incapable of understanding the patient information.