Multi-modality Imaging in the Prediction of Response to Systemic Treatment in Colorectal Cancer

Because of metastatic liver cancer of the colon or rectum, patients will be treated with cytotoxic drugs (chemotherapy). In the Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre the investigators investigate whether the imaging techniques at an early stage of treatment can predict which patients will have benefited from this treatment.

In the study the investigators use two different scanners: a MR (magnetic resonance) scanner and a PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scanner combined with a CT (Computer Tomography) scanner. An MR scanner is a large magnet and looks like a CT scanner which also makes pictures. But instead of using X-rays the recordings are made with magnetic fields. The scan consists of a table on which the patient will lie with the head in a half-dome with a camera. The examination with the MR scan is not painful and not harmful.

The PET scan is a type of CT scan that makes (after administration of a radioactive liquid), a scan of (part of) the body. The amount of radioactivity that is used for the study is so small that it will not have an adverse impact on the patient. This research is two times combined with a''normal''CT scan.

Using the MR scan, the investigators can research the oxygensupply, the aggressiveness of the tumour and the degree of liver metastases that die from the chemotherapy . The investigators can also, after administration of a MR contrast agent, investigate the blood supply of a tumor through imaging. If you are treated with the chemotherapeutic drug capecitabine the investigators can monitor the intake of this agent in the liver metastases. The PET CT scan tells us more about the metabolism in the liver metastases.