Diffusion-weighted MRI for Individualized Radiation Therapy Planning of Lung Cancer

Diffusion-weighted MRI for Individualized Radiation Therapy Planning of Lung Cancer

This clinical trial studies diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in identifying and localizing tumors in patients with non-small cell lung cancer undergoing radiation therapy. Diagnostic procedures such as diffusion weighted MRI may help identify where active cancer is to improve the targeting accuracy of radiotherapy. Comparing results of diagnostic procedures done before, during, and after radiation therapy may help determine how the location and volume of tumors changes over time and predict how the tumor will respond to therapy.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:

I. Assess diffusion-weighted MRI as an early predictor for tumor response in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

II. Establish the potential of individualized radiotherapy targeting of radioresistant tumor sub-volumes.

OUTLINE:

Patients undergo diffusion-weighted MRI within 4 weeks of radiation start (baseline), during the second week of radiation therapy, during the fourth week of radiation therapy, and at 3 months after radiation therapy (post-treatment). Patients also undergo standard of care 4-dimensional (4D) computed tomography (CT) and fludeoxyglucose F 18 (FDG)-positron emission tomography (PET) at the same time points.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients must be able to undergo MRI imaging; contrast application will be determined according to institutional guidelines; patients with lung cancer or locally recurrent lung cancer (following surgery) who are scheduled to receive external beam radiation therapy for at least 6 weeks
• Tumor visible on planning CT scan
• Negative pregnancy test for women of childbearing potential prior to study entry

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients requiring continuous supplemental oxygen
• Patients with metal implants including pace makers and defibrillators
• Patients with cerebral aneurysm clips or middle ear implant
• Patients with pain pump, a programmable shunt, or non-surgical metal (i.e. a foreign body)
• Claustrophobic patients
• Prior radiotherapy to body area under investigation
• No vulnerable populations will be enrolled (prisoners, children, pregnant females, or institutionalized individuals)