Metabolic MRI may reveal hidden cancer responses and spare patients from surgery

NCT ID NCT07730541

First seen Jul 28, 2026 · Last updated Jul 29, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial tests whether a new type of MRI, called hyperpolarized carbon-13 MRI, can better predict how rectal cancer responds to chemoradiotherapy. By tracking how cancer cells use energy, along with blood and tissue analysis, researchers hope to identify complete tumor responses that standard scans might miss. The study involves 30 adults with rectal cancer who will undergo imaging before and after treatment. If the approach works, it could help doctors decide who can safely avoid surgery.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate injection for metabolic MRI
What this could lead to
If successful, this imaging approach could help doctors predict which rectal cancer patients respond completely to chemoradiotherapy, potentially sparing them from unnecessary surgery.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-phase study with only 30 participants, so results may not apply to all patients. The technique is complex and not yet widely available.

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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

  • Chang Gung Memorial hospital

    RECRUITING

    Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan

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