RHYTHM-I: Investigating Hypoxia in Rectal Tumours

A low level of oxygen in cancer cells makes them less likely to respond to chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments. There is interest in using new drugs that improve the level of oxygen in tumours. Another approach would be to increase the radiotherapy dose to tumours with low oxygen levels.

Before we can do this for patients with rectal cancer, we need to develop a reliable way of identifying areas of low oxygen within the rectal tumour. This will make us able to tell which patients may be suitable for such a change in their treatment.

Traditionally, the level of oxygen in tumours is measured by inserting a needle into the tumour and measuring it directly. This is not possible in rectal cancer. This study has been designed to identify the best alternative method. We would like to do a blood test, take samples of cancer tissue and some detailed scans (18F-fluoromisonidazole (F-MISO) positron emission tomography, perfusion computed tomography, functional magnetic resonance imaging). The results of these tests will be compared to decide which gives us the most comprehensive and reliable information.

Patients in Group A go straight to surgery. By looking for markers of low oxygen levels on the tumour that has been removed, we will be able to find out which of the study tests performed before the tumour was removed is the best. By repeating the scans we will be able to see how reliable they are and how much they change on a day to day basis. We think that tumours that still have low levels of oxygen after 8 to 10 doses of radiotherapy are the least likely to respond to treatment.

Group B will have scans before radiotherapy treatment and after 8 to 10 doses of radiotherapy to see if we can identify the patients that have persistent low levels of oxygen.


Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria (Group A):

1. T2-3 N0 histologically proven adenocarcinoma of the rectum (if the MDT has an index of suspicion of malignancy high enough to proceed to surgical resection despite repeatedly non-diagnostic biopsies, the patient should be considered eligible).
2. The tumour on MRI and/or CT measures at least 2 cm by 2 cm.
3. MRI confirmation that the circumferential resection margin is not involved or threatened
4. Agreement from the local multi-disciplinary team (MDT) that the tumour is operable and does not require pre-operative CRT.
5. The patient is medically fit for operative resection of the tumour.
6. Male or female, Age at least 18 years.
7. ECOG performance score of 0-2 and be capable of co-operating with protocol.
8. Written (signed and dated) informed consent.
9. Haematological and biochemical indices within the ranges shown below:

   1. Haemoglobin (Hb) ≥12.0 g/dL
   2. Platelet count ≥ 100 x 109/L
   3. PT 10-14 seconds
   4. Renal function:

Serum Creatinine \<120 mmol/L OR Calculated GFR \>50 ml/min

Inclusion Criteria (Group B):

1. Histologically confirmed invasive adenocarcinoma of the rectum
2. Pelvic MRI defined disease:

   a. Mesorectal fascia (MRF) involved or breached i. Includes involvement of adjacent organ b. Mesorectal fascia threatened (tumour ≤ 1mm from MRF). This includes i. Primary tumour ≤ 1mm from MRF ii. Extramural vascular invasion ≤ 1mm from MRF iii. Tumour deposit with irregular border and mixed signal intensity ≤ 1mm from MRF c. Low tumours at/below the level of the levators where: i. Tumour ≤ 1mm from levator on two imaging planes ii. Tumour through full thickness of muscularis propria or beyond at level of puborectalis sling or below iii. Tumour involving the intersphincteric plane iv. Tumour involving the external anal sphincter
3. Patient is considered likely to be fit for surgical resection following CRT
4. Patient has been considered to be medically fit to receive CRT by their treating oncologist
5. Male or female, Age at least 18 years.
6. ECOG performance score of 0-2.
7. The patient is willing and able to give informed consent and to comply with the protocol for the duration of the study.
8. Haematological and biochemical indices within the ranges shown below:

   1. Haemoglobin (Hb) ≥12.0 g/dL
   2. Absolute neutrophil count ≥1.5 x 10\^9/L
   3. Platelet count ≥ 100 x 109/L
   4. PT 10-14 seconds
   5. Renal function:

Serum Creatinine \<120 mmol/L OR Calculated GFR \>50 ml/min

Exclusion Criteria (Group A):

1. Unequivocal evidence of metastatic disease. Patients with equivocal lesions will be determined as eligible on consensus of the MDT.
2. Previous pelvic radiotherapy.
3. Pregnant or breast-feeding women, or women of childbearing potential unless effective methods of contraception are used.
4. Treatment with any other investigational agent, or participation in another interventional clinical trial within 28 days prior to enrolment.
5. Currently taking anti-coagulants
6. Patients who for any reason are unable to undergo MRI and/or CT scans as per local guidelines e.g. if they are fitted with a pacemaker, have metal fragments in or around the eye, cannot tolerate the scan for any reason or are allergic to contrast agents.
7. Patients who are known to be serologically positive for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C or HIV.

Exclusion Criteria (Group B):

1. Previous pelvic radiotherapy (including brachytherapy)
2. Unequivocal evidence of metastatic disease. Patients with equivocal lesions will be determined as eligible on consensus of the MDT.
3. Pregnant or breast-feeding women, or women of childbearing potential unless effective methods of contraception are used.
4. Currently taking anti-coagulants
5. Gastrointestinal disorder which would interfere with oral therapy and its bioavailability
6. Treatment with any other investigational agent, or participation in another clinical trial within 28 days prior to enrolment.
7. Other psychological, social or medical condition, physical examination finding or a laboratory abnormality that the Investigator considers would make the patient a poor trial candidate or could interfere with protocol compliance or the interpretation of trial results.
8. Patients who for any reason are unable to undergo MRI and/or CT scans as per local guidelines e.g. they are fitted with a pacemaker, have metal fragments in or around the eye, cannot tolerate the scan for any reason or are allergic to contrast agents.
9. Patients who are known to be serologically positive for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C or HIV.

Exclusion Criteria (Optional supplemental oxygen breathing Groups A and B):

1. Ongoing supplemental oxygen as part of clinical care
2. Known lung disease with carbon dioxide retention
3. Chronic obstructive airways disease with known or at risk of hypercapnia
4. Most recent available arterial blood gas (ABG) from the current hospital admission demonstrates hypoxia or hypercapnia on room air.
5. Any patient not felt to be suitable for supplemental oxygen as considered by an appropriately trained clinician.