Radiochemotherapy for Cervical Cancer
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a new approach to treating cervical cancer by combining radiation and chemotherapy. The goal is to evaluate how effectively this treatment shrinks tumors and to assess its safety. It involves fewer radiation sessions with higher doses, alongside a reduced number of chemotherapy cycles. The chemotherapy uses Cisplatin, a common drug. Women with large or locally advanced cervical cancer, who do not require urgent systemic therapy, may be suitable candidates. The trial will measure patient responses and monitor their health for up to two years. As a Phase 2 trial, the research focuses on assessing the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group of participants.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss your specific situation with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What prior data suggests that this protocol is safe for treating cervical cancer?
Past studies have shown that the chemotherapy drug cisplatin can cause side effects. Patients with advanced cervical cancer who received it weekly experienced immediate issues like nausea and low blood counts. However, it remains generally safe with close monitoring.
Research on Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) indicates it is well-tolerated. Studies have found it causes fewer side effects compared to other radiation methods, as it targets tumors more precisely and protects healthy tissue.
Brachytherapy, another type of radiation, involves placing radioactive material inside the body to directly target cancer. Studies show it is effective and safe when guidelines are followed.
While both cisplatin and radiation treatments can have side effects, they are commonly used and have proven safety records in treating cancer.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatment for cervical cancer?
Researchers are excited about this treatment combination for cervical cancer because it integrates advanced techniques to potentially enhance effectiveness. Unlike traditional radiation therapy, Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) precisely targets tumors while sparing healthy tissue, reducing side effects. The treatment also includes high-dose rate brachytherapy, delivering radiation directly to the tumor, maximizing impact. Additionally, the use of weekly Cisplatin infusions aims to enhance the effectiveness of radiation, potentially improving outcomes compared to conventional methods. This innovative approach is promising for providing more targeted and effective treatment for cervical cancer patients.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for cervical cancer?
In this trial, participants will receive a combination of treatments: Cisplatin, Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), and Brachytherapy. Research has shown that cisplatin can extend the lives of cervical cancer patients, particularly those in advanced stages. Studies have found that doses exceeding 200 mg of cisplatin significantly improve survival chances. IMRT reduces side effects and enhances survival rates. Additionally, brachytherapy, which targets radiation directly at the tumor, has proven very effective in controlling cancer, with high survival rates one and two years post-treatment. Together, these treatments offer a promising approach to managing cervical cancer.678910
Who Is on the Research Team?
Denise Fabian, MD
Principal Investigator
University of Kentucky
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for women with metastatic or bulky uterine cervix cancer. Participants must have a complete physical exam, performance status evaluation, and standard scans to confirm eligibility. They should be able to receive outpatient treatment and follow the study's schedule.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Radiation and Chemotherapy
Participants receive hypofractionated radiation therapy with concurrent cisplatin chemotherapy
Brachytherapy
High dose rate brachytherapy is administered twice per week with a 2-day break in between sessions
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, with assessments at 1-month and 3-months post-treatment
Long-term Follow-up
Participants are followed for disease progression and survival status until Year 2 post-treatment initiation
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Brachytherapy
- Cisplatin
- Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
Cisplatin is already approved in European Union, United States, Canada, Japan for the following indications:
- Testicular cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Head and neck cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Lung cancer
- Mesothelioma
- Brain tumors
- Neuroblastoma
- Testicular cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Head and neck cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Lung cancer
- Mesothelioma
- Brain tumors
- Neuroblastoma
- Testicular cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Head and neck cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Lung cancer
- Mesothelioma
- Brain tumors
- Neuroblastoma
- Testicular cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Head and neck cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Lung cancer
- Mesothelioma
- Brain tumors
- Neuroblastoma
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Denise Fabian
Lead Sponsor