Thigh MRI may replace grueling exercise tests for surgery patients
NCT ID NCT06544187
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study explores whether a magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) scan of the thigh can predict a patient's fitness for major cancer surgery, as an alternative to the standard cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). Researchers will compare fat levels in thigh muscles from the MRS scan with CPET results in 56 patients with gastric, esophageal, or pancreatic cancer. If the scan proves reliable, it could offer a less demanding option for patients who cannot tolerate exercise testing.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) scan
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could provide a less physically demanding way to assess surgical fitness for patients who cannot tolerate exercise tests.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase study with only 56 participants. The MRS method may not correlate well enough with exercise test results to replace them.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust
RECRUITINGStoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom
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- Blood and gut clues may flag pancreatic cancer risk early
- A high-tech camera may take the guesswork out of spotting a dangerous surgery complication