Early Radiation Therapy for Cancer
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
To determine if the experimental approach of early radiation oncology involvement alongside standard oncologic care will result in higher HRQL at 6 months compared to the control arm receiving standard oncologic care alone, based on the global subscale score of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30 questionnaire.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, since the trial includes patients who are either planned or actively receiving systemic therapy (like chemotherapy or hormonal therapy), it seems likely that you can continue your current treatments.
Is early radiation therapy generally safe for humans?
Research on radiation therapy for various cancers, like breast, rectal, prostate, and cervical cancer, shows that while there can be side effects, they are often monitored and reported by patients. These studies help ensure that any adverse effects are managed, suggesting that radiation therapy is generally safe when used under medical supervision.12345
How is the Early Radiation Therapy treatment different from other treatments for cancer?
Early Radiation Therapy involves starting radiation treatment sooner alongside standard cancer care, which may help improve local control of the cancer and potentially reduce the risk of recurrence. This approach is different because it emphasizes the timing and integration of radiation with other treatments, aiming to optimize outcomes by minimizing delays.678910
What data supports the effectiveness of early radiation therapy for cancer?
Who Is on the Research Team?
Malcolm Mattes, MD
Principal Investigator
Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Adults over 18 with cancer outside the brain, receiving or planning to receive systemic therapy, and not expected to be cured. They must understand and consent to the study, have a life expectancy of 6-24 months but not longer than that for certain cancers. Excluded are those with specific types of responsive cancers, leukemia, CNS cancers, uncontrolled illnesses, pregnant/breastfeeding women, cognitively impaired adults without decision-making capacity.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive standard oncologic care and early radiation oncology involvement, with assessments using EORTC QLQ-C30, EQ-5D-5L, PTPQ, and FAMCARE-P16 questionnaires
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for health-related quality of life (HRQL) and other metrics using questionnaires
Extension
Optional continuation of monitoring and care for participants who wish to continue beyond the initial 12 months
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Early Radiation Oncology Involvement Alongside Standard Oncologic Care
Early Radiation Oncology Involvement Alongside Standard Oncologic Care is already approved in European Union, United States, Canada, Japan, China, Switzerland for the following indications:
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Lead Sponsor