Rectal CancerNCT01133340
A Feasibility Study to Compare the Benefits of Endoscopic Tumor Clip Placement and 3T-MRI Simulation for Accurate Target Volume Definition for Rectal Cancer Patients Undergoing Pre-operative Chemoradiation
A study testing Radiation in people with Rectal Cancer, run by AHS Cancer Control Alberta at 1 site in Canada.
Trial summary
This study is looking for a better way to define rectal tumors undergoing pre-operative radiation. MRI scanning generally results in more clear definition of the tumor that CT scanning. Insertion of radio opaque clips in the tumor site could also help to visualize the tumor better for radiotherapy treatment planning. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Rectal Cancer
- What is being tested?
- Radiation
- Type of treatment
- Surgery or procedure
- How many people
- 10 participants
- Where
- 1 siteCanada
- Study dates
- Jun 2010to Nov 2013
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Patients with adenocarcinoma of the rectum stage as T3/4 N0/1/2 M0 undergoing pre-operative chemoradiation
- Patients must be 18 years of age or greater
- Signed study-specific informed consent
- Not pregnant or lactating
Who cannot join
- Contraindication for radiotherapy or chemoradiation
- Contraindication for MRI scanning
- Prior chemotherapy or radiation therapy to the pelvis
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
This study is looking for a better way to define rectal tumors undergoing pre-operative radiation. MRI scanning generally results in more clear definition of the tumor that CT scanning. Insertion of radio opaque clips in the tumor site could also help to visualize the tumor better for radiotherapy treatment planning. The investigators believe both techniques would help the physician to define to cancer better than using CT scan alone. The investigators also will compare both techniques to define the better way to define the tumor.
Read the detailed description
- The use of endoscopically placed mucosal metal clips to define the superior and inferior extent of the rectal tumor will improve the accuracy of tumor localization in patients undergoing non-contrast CT simulation.
- A 3T-MRI will provide a better localization of the rectal tumor and pelvic nodes compared to non-contrast CT simulation for radiotherapy treatment planning.
- By comparing these two novel methods to the standard procedure, we would be able to define any difference between the three methods and obtain an estimate of the accuracy and reliability of each method for the localization of the rectal tumor.
- Conditions
- Rectal Cancer
- Being tested
- Radiation
- Keywords
- RADIOTHERAPY, CT simulation, MRI simulation, Endoscopic clip placement, Rectal cancer, Accuracy of MRI Simulation for target delineation and planning
- Medical subject headings
- Rectal Neoplasms
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
RadiationRadiation
No treatment intervention is planned. Patients will be scanned and treated as per department standards. The patient will have MRI at the time of their standard plan. They will then have clips inserted to mark the tumor after the standard scan is performed. The MRI and additional imaging with clips in place will be processed by 3 investigators who will contour based on the experimental image and compare this with the standard treated plan. Comparison of volumes in a blinded manner between investigators will also occur. The patients treatment will not be affected by the MRI or clip placement.
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
To define the usefulness of Endoscopic clip placement and 3T-MRI imaging for accurate target volume definition in rectal cancer patients undergoing pre-operative chemoradiation.
Measured: 1 year
Secondary outcomes (1)
To assess the differences in pelvic lymph node (CTV) volume definition between Ct and MRI images.
Measured: 1 year
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted28 May 2010 (estimated)
- Study startJun 2010
- Primary completionNov 2013
- Study completionNov 2013
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Rectal CancerStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Non-randomised
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 10 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- AHS Cancer Control Alberta
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- IGAR Image guided adaptive radiotherapy
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Kurian Joseph, MD, Principal investigator, Cross Cancer Institute, Alberta Health Services
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT01133340
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- RECTAL MRI SIM 25409
- Status last verified
- Nov 2026
- First submitted
- 27 May 2010
- Last updated
- 4 Nov 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 4 Nov 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- A Feasibility Study to Compare the Benefits of Endoscopic Tumor Clip Placement and 3T-MRI Simulation for Accurate Target Volume Definition for Rectal Cancer Patients Undergoing Pre-operative Chemoradiation
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT01133340
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- RECTAL MRI SIM 25409
- Conditions
- Rectal Cancer
- Keywords
- RADIOTHERAPY, CT simulation, MRI simulation, Endoscopic clip placement, Rectal cancer, Accuracy of MRI Simulation for target delineation and planning
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 10 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- AHS Cancer Control AlbertaUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- IGAR Image guided adaptive radiotherapy
- Study start
- Jun 2010
- Primary completion
- Nov 2013 (actual)
- Study completion
- Nov 2013 (actual)
- First posted
- 28 May 2010 (estimated)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study is looking for a better way to define rectal tumors undergoing pre-operative radiation. MRI scanning generally results in more clear definition of the tumor that CT scanning. Insertion of radio opaque clips in the tumor site could also help to visualize the tumor better for radiotherapy treatment planning. The investigators believe both techniques would help the physician to define to cancer better than using CT scan alone. The investigators also will compare both techniques to define the better way to define the tumor.
Detailed description
- The use of endoscopically placed mucosal metal clips to define the superior and inferior extent of the rectal tumor will improve the accuracy of tumor localization in patients undergoing non-contrast CT simulation.
- A 3T-MRI will provide a better localization of the rectal tumor and pelvic nodes compared to non-contrast CT simulation for radiotherapy treatment planning.
- By comparing these two novel methods to the standard procedure, we would be able to define any difference between the three methods and obtain an estimate of the accuracy and reliability of each method for the localization of the rectal tumor.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Non-randomised
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Patients with adenocarcinoma of the rectum stage as T3/4 N0/1/2 M0 undergoing pre-operative chemoradiation
- Patients must be 18 years of age or greater
- Signed study-specific informed consent
- Not pregnant or lactating
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Contraindication for radiotherapy or chemoradiation
- Contraindication for MRI scanning
- Prior chemotherapy or radiation therapy to the pelvis
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| RadiationNo treatment intervention is planned. Patients will be scanned and treated as per department standards. The patient will have MRI at the time of their standard plan. They will then have clips inserted to mark the tumor after the standard scan is performed. The MRI and additional imaging with clips in place will be processed by 3 investigators who will contour based on the experimental image and compare this with the standard treated plan. Comparison of volumes in a blinded manner between investigators will also occur. The patients treatment will not be affected by the MRI or clip placement. | Radiation | – |
Primary outcome
To define the usefulness of Endoscopic clip placement and 3T-MRI imaging for accurate target volume definition in rectal cancer patients undergoing pre-operative chemoradiation.
Time frame: 1 year
1 secondary outcome
To assess the differences in pelvic lymph node (CTV) volume definition between Ct and MRI images.
Time frame: 1 year
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 4 Nov 2026.
Related trials for Rectal Cancer
Not yet recruitingObservational study
Multidimensional Study Designed to Develop a Methodological Framework Based on MRI Data to Predict Pathological Complete Response (pCR) in Patients With Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer After Neoadjuvant Treatment
Rectal Cancer, Chemoradiotherapy
RecruitingObservational study
Pre- and On-treatment Multi-omics Profiling of Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer
Rectal Neoplasms
RecruitingObservational study
Outcomes of Knife-Assisted Full-Thickness Resection for Rectal Lesions: A Multicenter Study
Colorectal Cancer
Active, not recruitingObservational study
Genomic Structural Variation in Cancer Susceptibility
Breast Cancer, Colon Cancer
Active, not recruitingPhase 3
A Study of Encorafenib Plus Cetuximab With or Without Chemotherapy in People With Previously Untreated Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Neoplasms
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Kurian Joseph, MD principal investigator
Cross Cancer Institute, Alberta Health Services
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Radiation in people with Rectal Cancer, run by AHS Cancer Control Alberta at 1 site in Canada.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 4 Nov 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Canada. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
To define the usefulness of Endoscopic clip placement and 3T-MRI imaging for accurate target volume definition in rectal cancer patients undergoing pre-operative chemoradiation. (time frame: 1 year). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 4 Nov 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 7 Nov 2026.