Advanced Imaging to Predict Response in Rectal Cancer Treatment
Studies a special MRI scan to see how rectal cancer responds to chemoradiotherapy treatment.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Hyperpolarized 13C-MRI and Radiomics in Rectal Cancer
Key facts
- Where
- Taoyuan, TaiwanSee the site
Where in Taiwan
- Chang Gung Memorial HospitalTaoyuan, TaiwanTaking 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
- Chang Gung Memorial Hospital
- Trial code
- NCT07730541
- Record updated
- 28 July 2026
- Original description
This study is testing new imaging and analysis methods to improve how doctors predict treatment response in rectal cancer patients receiving chemoradiotherapy. Current MRI scans sometimes miss complete tumor response, which can lead to unnecessary surgery. To address this, researchers will use a special MRI technique called hyperpolarized carbon-13 MRI, along with blood and tissue analysis (metabolomics) and advanced image feature analysis (radiomics). These tools can track how cancer cells use energy and how metabolism changes during treatment.Read full original descriptionShow less
Integrated Precision Imaging for Rectal Cancer Patients Undergoing Total Neoadjuvant Therapy: Hyperpolarized 13C-MRI, Metabolomics, and Radiomics
This study is testing new imaging and analysis methods to improve how doctors predict treatment response in rectal cancer patients receiving chemoradiotherapy. Current MRI scans sometimes miss complete tumor response, which can lead to unnecessary surgery. To address this, researchers will use a special MRI technique called hyperpolarized carbon-13 MRI, along with blood and tissue analysis (metabolomics) and advanced image feature analysis (radiomics). These tools can track how cancer cells use energy and how metabolism changes during treatment.
The study will follow 30 rectal cancer patients at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital over 3 years. Patients will undergo standard MRI, colonoscopy, and advanced metabolic imaging before and after treatment. Results will compare patients whose tumors completely respond to therapy with those who do not. The goal is to see if metabolic changes detected by hyperpolarized MRI and metabolomics can predict treatment outcomes earlier and more accurately. This may help doctors avoid unnecessary surgery and provide more personalized care for rectal cancer patients.
Inclusion: Patients with biopsy proved rectal adenocarcinoma; Patents will undergo neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (nCRT); Patients more than 20-year-old.
Exclusion: Contraindication to MRI study (e.g., claustrophobia or non-removable devices or implants that are incompatible with MRI). 3. Intercurrent illness that will affect the compliance of the patient during the MRI study (e.g., active infection, symptomatic congestive heart failure, uncontrollable angina, arrhythmia, psychiatric disorders, dyspnea, or diarrhea). 4. Severe hepatic dysfunction (alkaline phosphatase/aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase >20 × upper limit of normal [ULN] or bilirubin > 10 × ULN). 5. Severe renal impairment (eGFR <30 ml/min/1.73m2).