Evaluating participant experiences and tolerability with MR Linac imaging

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Oncology
• Radiotherapy

Background:

• Magnetic Resonance Image Guided Radiotherapy (MRIgRT) combines MRI with linear accelerators for adaptive cancer treatment.
• Patient experience during MR Linac imaging, particularly outside treatment, is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the tolerability, pre-scan anxiety, coping mechanisms, and willingness for future scans in patients and volunteers undergoing MR Linac imaging.
• To identify factors influencing patient experience, such as anatomical site and participant group.

Main Methods:

• A bespoke MR Linac Participant Experience Questionnaire was administered to 447 participants (319 patients, 128 volunteers) between November 2017 and December 2023.
• The questionnaire assessed pre-scan anxiety, coping ability, willingness for repeat scans, and scan-induced symptoms using Likert scales.
• Descriptive analyses were performed, comparing responses between participant groups and anatomical sites.

Main Results:

• Overall tolerability was high, with 65% reporting no pre-scan anxiety and most reporting good coping.
• Higher pre-scan anxiety and coping difficulties were reported for head and neck, brain, and bone oligometastases scans.
• Non-patient volunteers reported more physiological symptoms; patients undergoing specific scans were more reluctant to repeat the procedure.

Conclusions:

• MR Linac imaging is generally well tolerated, but specific subgroups, especially those requiring immobilization, experience increased anxiety and discomfort.
• Findings underscore the need for tailored interventions to enhance patient experience and support broader MRIgRT implementation.