4D-MRI for Precision Medicine
The purpose of this study is to develop new ways to make medical images of the lungs and liver of adults using a technique called four-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (4D-MRI). This technique produces three-dimensional movies of the inside of the chest and abdomen while the patient is breathing. (The fourth dimension is time!) This new way of medical imaging is being developed to help cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. Radiation therapy is used to treat cancerous tumors. For radiation therapy to be effective, the precise size, shape, and location of the tumor within the body must be known. A particular difficulty for radiation treatment of lung and liver cancer is that the tumor moves during treatment because the patient is breathing. Therefore, tumor motion must also be incorporated into the treatment plan. This study aims to improve radiation treatment planning through better targeting and dose estimation based on 4D-MRI. Before this new imaging method can be used for radiation treatment planning, it must be tested in living, breathing volunteers.
Ask AI to explain this studyKey things to know
This describes the study’s primary purpose.
The study team can explain what participation involves.
These are broad labels—not an eligibility decision.
Checked against the public recordLast updated May 6, 2026 · Source: ClinicalTrials.gov
The study is currently accepting participants.
Observational
Locations may change over time.
Study sponsor
What this study is about
- Purpose
- Not specified
- Study type
- Observational
- Phase
- Not applicable
- Sponsor
- University of Virginia
- Interventions being studied
- Diagnostic Test: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
How this study is categorized
These labels come from structured fields and exact terms in the public record.
Who may be able to participate
The sponsor separates these requirements into two groups. You do not need to interpret them alone—use them to guide a conversation with the study team.
- The inclusion criteria for lung and liver cancer patients are:
- Patient is 21 or older
- Patient has primary or metastatic tumor(s) in the lungs or the liver
- Diameter of the tumor(s) is less than 7 cm
- Patient will receive radiation therapy (ordered by the treating Radiation Oncologist) as part of their treatment regimen
- Patient will undergo a planning CT scan with tumor motion assessment (planning 4D-CT ordered by the treating Radiation Oncologist) as part of their treatment regimen
- Patient has signed informed consent and is willing to comply with the 4D-MRI imaging protocol The inclusion criteria for healthy volunteers are:
- Subject is 18 or older
- Subject has signed informed consent and is willing to comply with the 4D-MRI imaging protocol
- Any condition for which a MRI procedure is contraindicated including presence of metallic material in the body, such as pacemakers, non- MRI compatible surgical clips, shrapnel, etc.
- Subjects who have difficulty lying flat on their back for extended periods of time
- Patients with any serious/poorly controlled medical or psychological conditions that would complicate protocol compliance
- Too large to adequately fit in the magnet bore or RF coils
- Claustrophobia
- Females who are pregnant or lactating
- Presence of active or chronic infection
Important: This is the sponsor’s public criteria, not a determination of eligibility. The study team must review your individual situation.
U.S. locations
- University of VirginiaCharlottesville, Virginia
Source and freshness
Processed from ClinicalTrials.gov. Last public update: May 6, 2026. Always confirm current availability with the study team.