Proton Radiotherapy for Palliative Cancer Care
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
Spatially fractionated radiotherapy (SFRT or GRID) addresses some limitations of traditional stereotactic body radiation therapy by relying on beam collimation to create high-dose "peaks" and intervening low-dose "valleys" throughout the target volume. Standard palliative radiotherapy regimens provide limited durability of response, and there are challenges with delivery to large tumors or in previously irradiated fields. In this study, Proton GRID radiotherapy will be used to deliver three-fraction palliative radiotherapy to patients with tumors needing palliative radiation. The safety and efficacy of this approach will be assessed. It is hypothesized that GRID is highly effective, immunogenic, and associated with low rates of toxicity.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you must stop taking your current medications. However, if you are currently receiving cytotoxic cancer therapy or VEGF inhibitors, you cannot take them at the same time as the proton GRID treatment. A 2-week break from these medications is recommended but not required before starting the trial.
What data supports the effectiveness of Proton GRID Radiotherapy for palliative cancer care?
Research shows that palliative radiotherapy, including advanced techniques like Proton GRID Radiotherapy, is effective in relieving symptoms for patients with advanced cancer. It is a time-efficient treatment that can provide symptom relief with minimal side effects, making it a valuable option for improving quality of life in palliative care.12345
Is proton radiotherapy safe for palliative cancer care?
Research on spatially fractionated radiotherapy (GRID) and its variations, including proton GRID therapy, suggests it is generally safe for treating large tumors, with studies reporting good safety profiles in patients. However, the understanding of its effects is still developing, and it is used in limited centers.678910
How is Proton GRID Radiotherapy different from other cancer treatments?
Proton GRID Radiotherapy is unique because it uses a spatially fractionated approach, delivering high doses of radiation in a grid pattern, which helps protect healthy tissue while targeting large tumors. This method combines the precision of proton therapy with the benefits of GRID therapy, making it suitable for treating tumors near critical organs with reduced toxicity.911121314
Research Team
Anthony Apicelli, M.D.
Principal Investigator
Washington University School of Medicine
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for adults with confirmed cancer who need palliative radiation for large tumors or previously irradiated lesions. Participants must agree to use contraception and have an ECOG performance status ≤ 3. Excluded are those needing urgent surgery, pregnant women, patients on certain cancer therapies overlapping with the trial, and HIV-positive individuals with low CD4+ counts or recent opportunistic infections.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Trial Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive 20 Gy proton GRID radiotherapy in 3 fractions for palliative treatment
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Proton GRID Radiotherapy (Proton Beam Therapy)
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Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Washington University School of Medicine
Lead Sponsor