Ongoing Clinical Trials for Metastases to Lymph Nodes
There is currently 1 ongoing clinical trial investigating metastases to lymph nodes, specifically focused on improving the detection of cancer spread to lymph nodes in patients with rectal cancer. The study is being conducted in Finland and uses advanced imaging technology with iron oxide nanoparticles to enhance MRI scans.
Clinical trial locations
Study on the Use of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles in MRI to Detect Lymph Node Metastasis in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Rectal Cancer
This clinical trial is designed to improve the detection of cancer that has spread from the rectum to nearby lymph nodes. The study uses a special type of MRI scan enhanced with a contrast agent called Ferumoxtran-10, which contains tiny iron oxide nanoparticles that help create clearer images of the lymph nodes.
Main inclusion criteria:
- Adults aged 18 years or older
- Recently diagnosed with rectal cancer
- Scheduled for surgery or short course radiotherapy
- Able to provide informed consent to participate in the study
- Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during the study and for three months after
Main exclusion criteria:
- Patients without rectal cancer
- Patients without cancer spread to the mesorectal lymph nodes
- Patients outside the specified age range
Focus and goal: The main purpose of this trial is to determine how accurately the enhanced MRI with Ferumoxtran-10 can identify the stage of cancer in the lymph nodes. The study will compare the imaging results with findings from tissue samples taken during surgery, which is considered the gold standard. This comparison will help researchers understand whether this advanced imaging technique can better detect the spread of rectal cancer to lymph nodes, potentially leading to improved treatment planning in the future.
Investigational drug: The trial uses Ferumoxtran-10, an intravenous contrast agent containing ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. These nanoparticles enhance MRI images by altering the magnetic properties of tissues, making it easier to see whether cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. The medication is administered through an injection or infusion into a vein.
Participants will undergo both a standard MRI scan and an enhanced MRI scan with Ferumoxtran-10. The results from both scans will be carefully compared with the pathology results from surgery to evaluate the accuracy of the enhanced imaging technique. Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor patients’ health and assess long-term outcomes.
Summary
Currently, there is one clinical trial available for patients with metastases to lymph nodes, specifically in the context of rectal cancer. This trial is being conducted in Finland and represents an important step in improving diagnostic accuracy for lymph node involvement in cancer patients. The study focuses exclusively on the use of Ferumoxtran-10, an iron oxide-based contrast agent, to enhance MRI imaging capabilities. By comparing this advanced imaging technique with traditional pathology findings, researchers hope to establish whether this approach can provide more accurate staging information, which is crucial for determining the best treatment approach for patients with rectal cancer.
