Researchers at UCLA receive $2 million grant to progress MRI-assisted radiotherapy for cancer patients, enhancing treatment precision.
In the realm of cancer treatment, a groundbreaking innovation is taking shape at the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA. This advanced technique, known as MRI-guided radiotherapy, is promising to revolutionize the way patients undergo radiation therapy, potentially minimizing side effects and improving outcomes.
Dr. Amar Kishan, a professor and executive vice chair of radiation oncology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, is leading the charge. His team's work in MRI-guided radiotherapy has been instrumental, with significant contributions to multiple important studies.
One such study is the MIRAGE trial, which demonstrated a dramatic reduction in side effects of prostate cancer SBRT with MRI-guided radiotherapy versus CT-guided radiotherapy. Another notable study is the SCIMITAR trial, which showcased the benefit of MRI-guided radiotherapy in the context of post-prostatectomy radiation.
Currently, several trials are underway, exploring the potential of MRI-guided radiotherapy in various cancer treatments. The MASAMUNE Link study is a trial of adaptive radiotherapy in the setting of post-prostatectomy SBRT. Similarly, the HERA study is investigating adaptive radiotherapy for post-operative treatment of gynecological malignancies.
The MARS study is focusing on short-course radiotherapy for abdominopelvic sarcomas, while the NOM-Rectal study is evaluating short-course radiotherapy, without surgery, for rectal cancer. The HEATWAVE trial is a study of "triple precision" therapy for intermediate risk prostate cancer, and the MANTICORE and VORTEX trials are planned randomized trials evaluating adaptive radiotherapy and neurovascular-sparing radiotherapy for prostate cancer, respectively.
The heart of MRI-guided radiotherapy lies in its ability to offer superior soft tissue imaging and contrast, particularly in the abdomen, pelvis, and central nervous system. This is achieved through the utilization of a 0.35T MRI with a modern linear accelerator, allowing the delivery of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT).
Moreover, the on-board MRI in MRI-guided radiotherapy allows for real-time target tracking and adaptive radiotherapy. This means that a new radiation therapy plan can be generated based on daily variations in anatomy, increasing precision and potentially increasing dose to the intended target and decreasing dose outside the intended target. Real-time target tracking also generates a movie that can track the target at a rate of four to eight frames per second.
The funding received from ViewRay Systems, Inc. will accelerate research aimed at improving the accuracy of cancer treatment, enhancing tumor targeting while reducing harm to surrounding healthy tissue.
With its promise of precision, reduced side effects, and improved outcomes, MRI-guided radiotherapy is set to redefine the future of cancer treatment. Under the guidance of Dr. Kishan and his team, UCLA continues to be at the forefront of this exciting and transformative field.
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