Intensity Modulated Proton Radiation for Brain & Spine Cancer

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

+1 other location

Overseen byThomas DeLaney, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

There are two types of external radiation treatments; proton beam and photon beam radiation. What type of therapy participants will receive will depend upon the location of their tumor. Standard treatment would involve receiving either proton or photon radiation delivered by a three dimensional (3-D) conformal radiation technique. 3-D conformal radiation therapy is a technique where the beams of radiation used in the treatment are shaped to match the tumor in order to avoid damaging the healthy surrounding tissue. Standard treatment also may include photon radiation delivered by intensity modulated (IMRT) technique. In this research study we are using an investigational technique to deliver proton radiation therapy called intensity modulated proton radiation treatment (IMPT) which is used to target cancer while sparing healthy tissue. With IMPT (and standard IMRT), radiation intensity can be turned down during the treatment. This control over the intensity of the radiation dose has the potential to provide accuracy and allows us to more safely increase the amount of radiation delivered to the tumor. This accuracy may potentially reduce side effects that patients would normally experience with 3-D proton radiation therapy. Surgery is often an important component of the treatment for these tumors and may be integrated with the IMPT.

Research Team

Thomas DeLaney, MD

Principal Investigator

Massachusetts General Hospital

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults with chondrosarcoma or chordoma of the spine, sacrum, or base of skull. Candidates should not have had prior radiation in the affected area but may have had chemotherapy. They must be physically able to participate (ECOG 0-2), without distant metastasis, and agree to use contraception. Excluded are those with other cancers (unless disease-free for 5+ years or specific low-risk cases), brainstem/cord malfunction not caused by the tumor, uncontrolled illnesses, high radiation sensitivity conditions, pregnancy, or HIV on antiretrovirals.

Inclusion Criteria

I haven't had radiation on my skull base, spine, or sacrum but may have had chemotherapy recently.

My organs and bone marrow are functioning normally.

I agree to use birth control during the study.

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Exclusion Criteria

My cancer has spread to other parts of my body.

I do not have any severe illnesses or conditions that would interfere with the study.

I have neurological issues not caused by my tumor's growth or its metabolic effects.

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Treatment Details

Interventions

Intensity Modulated Proton Radiation Treatment (IMPT) (Proton Beam Therapy)
Surgical Resection (Surgery)

Trial OverviewThe study tests intensity modulated proton radiation treatment (IMPT) versus standard therapies like photon beam radiation. IMPT aims to target cancer more precisely while sparing healthy tissue and potentially reducing side effects compared to conventional methods. Participants will receive either IMPT alone or combined with surgical resection depending on their individual case.

Participant Groups

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: IMPTExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

High dose IMPT