Streamline trials :Whole-body MRI (WB-MRI) for assessing cancer spread

Whole-body MRI (WB-MRI) could reduce treatment waiting times, save lives and reduce NHS costs. [news]
NIHR 10 May 2019

• Two new research studies (1,2) indicate that, for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and colorectal cancer, one whole-body MRI (WB-MRI) scan can work just as well as multiple scans at assessing cancer spread and leads to the same treatment decisions - but is quicker, cheaper, preferred by patients and involves less exposure to radiation.
• Using WB-MRI, NSCLC patients were fully assessed within an average of 13 days, compared to 19 days using multiple scans. For colorectal cancer, the difference was eight days compared with 13 days. The average cost of a WB-MRI scan for NSCLC patients was £317, half the £620 cost for multiple scans. The cost of a WB-MRI scan for colorectal patients was £216, compared with £285 for multiple scans.
• When asked, most patients said they would prefer assessment via WB-MRI.

Original research: Comprehensive staging of newly diagnosed lung and colorectal cancer: Prospective multicentre comparison of whole body Magnetic Resonance Imaging with standard diagnostic imaging pathways

1. Diagnostic accuracy of whole-body MRI versus standard imaging pathways for metastatic disease in newly diagnosed colorectal cancer: the prospective Streamline C trial
Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 09 May 2019,  http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2468-1253(19)30056-1

2. Diagnostic accuracy of whole-body MRI versus standard imaging pathways for metastatic disease in newly diagnosed non-small-cell lung cancer: the prospective Streamline L trial
Lancet Respiratory Medicine 09 May 2019, https://doi.org/10.1016/S2213-2600(19)30090-6