The GENIUS Study Version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Gynaecologic Organ Segmentation and Motion Tracking using Ultrasound
IRAS ID
178632
Contact name
Susan Lalondrelle
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Clinical R&D office
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Radiotherapy is an established and effective method for treating cancer, but it can have negative side effects if healthy tissues are also exposed to radiation. In the case of cervical cancer, the bladder, small bowel, and bone marrow are often irradiated, which can result in both short-term and long-term side effects. There are sophisticated radiation delivery techniques (known as IMRT and VMAT) which are capable of administering the radiation dose in a precise and controlled manner so that the intended target is irradiated and the healthy tissue is spared. However, the only way for these sophisticated radiation delivery methods to work in cervical cancer is to localise the uterus prior to radiotherapy treatment so that the lineup between the radiation beam and the target is ensured. The uterus is a relatively mobile organ, and can have very different positions within the body depending on the patient position, bladder volume, tumour site, etc. Currently, we are unable to take advantage of the sophisticated radiation delivery techniques as we have no reliable way of seeing where the uterus is. Ultrasound is a promising way to overcome this problem.
Ultrasound is non-ionising, has good soft-tissue contrast, and can easily be incorporated into the radiation treatment room. We wish to establish the feasibility and accuracy of localising and outlining the uterus on ultrasound images. This will enable us to determine whether or not ultrasound will be a good option to ensure the correct patient position prior to radiotherapy for cervical cancer patients.
REC name
London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/1438
Date of REC Opinion
29 Oct 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion