MRI-Guided Radiation Therapy for Lung Cancer

This trial tests a new type of radiation therapy called MRgART, which uses MRI guidance to target lung cancer, and compares it to the standard LINAC (linear accelerator) radiation treatment. The main aim is to determine if MRgART affects the heart differently from the usual treatment. Participants will undergo radiation therapy, MRI scans, blood tests, and complete quality of life surveys. The trial seeks individuals with certain types of lung or esophageal cancer near the heart, who are scheduled for a specific kind of radiation treatment. As a Phase 2 trial, this research focuses on measuring the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group of people.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

Research has shown that MR-guided adaptive radiation therapy (MRgART) is generally well-tolerated by patients with lung cancer. Studies have found that MRgART carries a low risk of serious side effects, allowing patients to handle the treatment well without major issues.

For LINAC radiation therapy, research indicates it is safe and effective for treating lung cancer. Studies report high success rates in controlling cancer in the treated area, and the treatment is generally safe for patients.

Researchers are excited about these treatments because they offer a new way to target lung cancer using advanced imaging technology. MRgART (Magnetic Resonance-guided Adaptive Radiation Therapy) stands out by using real-time MRI to precisely target tumors, potentially reducing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. LINAC (Linear Accelerator) radiation therapy is already a standard in cancer treatment, but this trial explores how these two innovative approaches might improve precision and outcomes. By enhancing the accuracy of radiation delivery, both treatments could lead to fewer side effects and better preservation of lung function, which is a significant advancement over traditional radiation therapies that rely on CT scans for guidance.

This trial will compare two types of radiation therapy for lung cancer: MRgART and LINAC. Research has shown that MRgART, a type of radiation therapy guided by MRI, effectively treats tumors, with 78% of patients responding well. On average, patients experienced no cancer progression for about 19.6 months and lived overall for about 28.4 months. This method is particularly beneficial for lung cancer as it adjusts for tumor movement during treatment. Participants in this trial may receive either MRgART or LINAC radiation therapy. LINAC has also proven effective for lung cancer, with local cancer control success rates ranging from 77% to 96% over three years. Both treatments offer promising ways to target cancer near the heart while potentially reducing damage to healthy heart tissue.¹⁵⁶⁷⁸