Feasibility Study of Single-Session MRI-Guided Radiotherapy for Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression Compared to Standard Two-Appointment Radiotherapy

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating whether the Magnetic Resonance Linear Accelerator MRL can speed up radiotherapy treatment for patients with Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression MSCC. The study aims to see if treatment can be successfully delivered in a single one-hour appointment on the MRL compared to the standard care pathway requiring two separate visits a planning CT scan and a radiotherapy appointment. The trial also explores whether treatment with the MRL can be given within 24 hours from the decision to treat and assesses patient satisfaction through questionnaires. Participants will receive radiotherapy with a prescribed dose of 8 Gray in one treatment using a single posterior-anterior beam. One group will have this treatment delivered on the MRL in a single session without the need for a prior planning CT scan, while the comparison group will follow the standard care pathway involving a planning CT appointment before radiotherapy. The study includes an optional diversity questionnaire prior to treatment and a patient experience questionnaire completed on the day of treatment. Treatment timings and patient outcomes will be monitored up to 12 months after therapy. Participants will be followed through clinical notes at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment to record their well-being and function. The study involves a recruitment period of two years with follow-up lasting one additional year. Data collected includes the timing from decision to treat to completion of therapy, patient consent times, and patient-reported experience. Participants are free to withdraw from the trial at any time without penalty.

To Determine Whether it is Feasible to Treat Patients Requiring Urgent Radiotherapy Diagnosed With Metastatic Cord Compression (MSCC) on the Magnetic Resonance Linear Accelerator (MRL) in a Single Appointment and Compare it to the Standard of Care Radiotherapy Pathway