Study of Contrast-Enhanced Photon-Counting Detector CT PCD-CT Compared to MRI for Staging Rectal Cancer in Adults

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating whether images taken using a photon counting detector CT scanner PCD-CT can detect the growth of rectal cancer as well as, or better than, MRI scans. The study focuses on patients with rectal cancer and aims to assess how well this newer CT technology can manage the disease compared to the current standard imaging method. Participants will undergo a contrast-enhanced pelvic PCD-CT scan, which is the main procedure being studied. This observational study involves patients who are already clinically referred for staging pelvic MRI and contrast-enhanced CT of the abdomen and pelvis. The study does not involve treatment but focuses on imaging to assist in cancer staging. During the study, participants will have the PCD-CT scan performed, and researchers will evaluate its ability to determine circumferential resection margin CRM involvement after the scan. This will help understand if PCD-CT is non-inferior to MRI in assessing rectal cancer growth. The study includes safety monitoring like pregnancy testing for women of childbearing potential and excludes participants with certain medical conditions. The trial runs until the end of 2026, with participant involvement focused on imaging and related assessments.

Contrast-Enhanced Photon-Counting Detector CT (PCD-CT) for the Local Staging of Rectal Cancer