The LEARN Study is investigating a new approach to real-time image-guided radiotherapy called markerless target tracking.
Current methods for managing tumour motion during treatment typically require either specialised radiotherapy systems that are significantly more expensive than standard equipment, or the surgical implantation of tracking markers into the patient. LEARN aims to develop a third option: using artificial intelligence and advanced imaging to track tumours and nearby organs in real time without invasive procedures or specialised hardware. If successful, this approach could make advanced motion management more accessible to cancer centres worldwide.
This observational study will collect routine treatment data from 300 patients undergoing radiotherapy for a range of cancer types, including brain, breast, head and neck, kidney, liver, lung, pancreas, prostate and spine cancers, as well as cardiac radioablation for arrhythmia treatment. Researchers will use these data to develop, train and validate AI-driven markerless tracking methods. The study’s unique learning system continuously improves as new patient data are added, helping to build more accurate and robust tracking models over time. By creating a scalable and non-invasive method for real-time tumour tracking, LEARN aims to support the future delivery of more precise radiotherapy on standard treatment systems.
Trial information: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05184790
Participating sites
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Melbourne, Bendigo and Moorabbin sites, VIC - Princess Alexandra Hospital
Woolloongabba, QLD - Royal North Shore Hospital
St Leonards, NSW - The Alfred Hospital
Melbourne, VIC - Orange Health Service, Central West Cancer Care Centre
Orange, NSW - Dubbo Base Hospital, Western Cancer Centre
Dubbo, NSW - Nepean Hospital, Nepean Cancer and Wellness Centre
Kingswood, NSW - Gosford Hospital
Gosford, NSW - Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital
Nedlands, WA - Sunshine Coast University Hospital
Birtinya, QLD - GenesisCare Pty Ltd
St George Hospital
Kogarah, NSW - Prince Of Wales Hospital
Randwick, NSW - RMIT University,
Melbourne, VIC - Royal Hobart Hospital
Hobart, TAS - Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital
Brisbane, QLD - Kathleen Kilgour Centre
Tauranga, New Zealand - Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals Limited
Kolkata, India