SBRT and Imaging for Metastatic Breast Cancer
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a specific type of radiation therapy called stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) to determine its effectiveness in treating breast cancer that has spread but is not rapidly worsening. The researchers aim to see if SBRT can help patients continue their current cancer treatments without needing to switch. The trial also evaluates a special imaging technique using PET/CT scans with F-18 16 Alpha-Fluoroestradiol (a radiotracer) to identify cancer spread more accurately. Suitable candidates for this trial have estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer that has spread to no more than four new areas outside the brain. As a Phase 2 trial, this research measures the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group, offering participants a chance to contribute to significant advancements in cancer therapy.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
You may need to stop certain medications like chemotherapy during the study, but you can continue taking anti-endocrine/hormone therapy before, during, and after the study, as decided by your doctor.
What prior data suggests that stereotactic body radiation therapy and FES PET/CT imaging are safe for treating metastatic breast cancer?
Research has shown that Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) is generally safe for treating cancers that have spread. In one study, all 35 patients received standard doses without experiencing any serious side effects. SBRT effectively controlled cancer at the treated sites in 70-90% of cases.
For the imaging part of the trial, F-18 16 alpha-fluoroestradiol (FES) PET/CT scans are also considered safe. Research indicates that FES PET/CT provides a non-invasive way to scan the whole body for cancer cells that respond to estrogen, a hormone. This imaging method is already approved in the U.S. for certain breast cancer cases, supporting its safety.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?
Researchers are excited about Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) for metastatic breast cancer because it offers a highly precise, targeted approach that could spare healthy tissues while effectively attacking cancer cells. Unlike traditional radiation therapies that might involve larger areas and longer treatment periods, SBRT delivers high doses of radiation directly to cancer sites in just a few sessions. This technique not only aims to reduce treatment time but also minimizes potential side effects by reducing exposure to non-cancerous tissues. Furthermore, combining SBRT with advanced imaging techniques like FES PET/CT scans allows doctors to better monitor and adapt treatments, potentially improving patient outcomes.
What evidence suggests that SBRT and FES PET/CT imaging could be effective for metastatic breast cancer?
This trial will evaluate the effectiveness of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and F-18 16 Alpha-Fluoroestradiol (FES) PET/CT imaging for metastatic breast cancer. Research has shown that SBRT can effectively treat breast cancer that has spread to a few other areas, with studies finding that patients receiving SBRT for this type of cancer can live longer. SBRT can also delay the need to change systemic treatments by over a year.
In this trial, FES PET/CT scans will identify cancer cells that respond to estrogen. These scans allow doctors to see where the cancer has spread and how it is responding to treatment, making them a valuable tool in managing breast cancer. Using FES PET/CT can improve the accuracy of detecting cancer progression, potentially leading to better treatment decisions.12367Who Is on the Research Team?
Jose G. Bazan
Principal Investigator
City of Hope Medical Center
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals with estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer that has spread but shows limited progression. Participants should be currently on systemic treatment and able to undergo high-precision radiation therapy as well as PET/CT imaging using a tracer.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Imaging
Patients not currently taking SERMs/SERDs receive F-FES IV and undergo PET/CT scans at baseline
Treatment
Patients undergo 3 or 5 treatment fractions of SBRT within 3 weeks
Follow-up Imaging
FES PET/CT scans at 12 and 24 weeks to assess disease progression
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- F-18 16 Alpha-Fluoroestradiol
- Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada for the following indications:
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
- Melanoma
- Renal cell carcinoma (RCC)
- Prostate cancer
- Oligoprogressive cancers
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
- Melanoma
- Renal cell carcinoma (RCC)
- Prostate cancer
- Oligoprogressive cancers
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
- Melanoma
- Renal cell carcinoma (RCC)
- Prostate cancer
- Oligoprogressive cancers
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
City of Hope Medical Center
Lead Sponsor
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Collaborator