Radiation Therapy for Nasopharyngeal Cancer

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen bySue S. Yom

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: University of California, San Francisco

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This clinical trial tests the effect of induction chemotherapy response-guided radiation (de-escalated intensity-modulated radiation therapy \[IMRT\]) compared to standard IMRT in patients with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated nasopharyngeal cancer. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is an advanced form of 3-dimensional radiation therapy that uses computer-generated images to show the size and shape of the tumor. Thin beams of radiation of different intensities are aimed at the tumor from many angles. This type of radiation therapy reduces the damage to healthy tissue near the tumor. Radiation therapy sometimes causes unwanted symptoms or side effects, including late effects such as hearing loss and dental problems. The severity of the side effects is related to the radiation dose received and the amount of tissue that received radiation. De-escalation IMRT uses lower doses of radiation based on a good response to induction chemotherapy. Giving de-escalated IMRT may be as effective as standard doses of IMRT in treating patients with EBV-associated nasopharyngeal cancer.

Research Team

Sue S. Yom

Principal Investigator

University of California, San Francisco

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals with nasopharyngeal cancer linked to the Epstein-Barr virus. Participants should respond well to initial chemotherapy, as their subsequent radiation therapy dose will be adjusted based on this response.

Inclusion Criteria

I can take care of myself but might not be able to do heavy physical work.

I have completed treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy.

I have another cancer that won't affect this treatment's safety or results.

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Exclusion Criteria

I do not have any severe, active illnesses like heart problems, serious lung issues, or untreated infections.

Individuals with conditions impairing ability to comply with study activities or interfere with participant safety

I have had chemotherapy for nasopharyngeal cancer, but not as initial treatment.

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Treatment Details

Interventions

Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) (Radiation)

Trial OverviewThe study compares two radiation therapies in EBV-associated nasopharyngeal cancer patients: standard Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and a lower-dose IMRT guided by how well patients respond to initial chemotherapy.

Participant Groups

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Arm II (standard IMRT)Experimental Treatment3 Interventions

Patients undergo standard IMRT QD 5 days a week for up to 7 weeks in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Participants also undergo CT, MRI, PET, PET/CT, CT, and/or bone scans as well as providing blood samples throughout the trial.

Group II: Arm I (de-escalated Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)Experimental Treatment3 Interventions

Participants undergo de-escalated IMRT every day (QD) 5 days a week for up to 7 weeks in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Participants also undergo CT, MRI, PET, PET/CT, CT, and/or bone scans as well as providing blood samples throughout the trial.