NIHR Signal 23 July 2019
- Initial investigation which includes whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is as good as standard pathways for detecting metastatic disease in adults with newly diagnosed colorectal cancer. The study also found that whole-body MRI reduces the number of investigations needed, the length of the staging process, and costs less than standard pathways.
- Current NICE guidance recommends a sequence of investigations for staging, with MRI only recommended after biopsies and other imaging investigations. This study suggests that MRI could be used earlier in the process, instead of the currently recommended investigations. However, any changes to guidance would need to take into account the availability of this resource.
- Study: The Streamline C trial was a prospective, multicentre trial done in 16 hospitals in England between 26 March 26 2013 and 19 Aug 2016. Eligible patients were 18 years or older, with newly diagnosed colorectal cancer, 1020 patients were screened for eligibility. 370 patients were recruited, 299 of whom completed the trial.
