Hypofractionated vs Standard Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer

(HOPE Trial)

Not currently recruiting at 2 trial locations

Overseen By Lucas Mendez, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Male

Trial Phase: Phase 2

Sponsor: London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute and Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's

Disqualifiers: Metastasis, Inflammatory bowel, Connective tissue, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Prior Safety Data This treatment has passed at least one previous human trial

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 7

Duration: 5-25 fractions

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if a shorter, more intense form of radiotherapy is as effective as the standard, longer treatment for prostate cancer. It focuses on patients with specific types of prostate cancer that have a higher risk of spreading. The trial compares two treatment approaches: one with more frequent, lower doses (Conventionally-fractionated WPRT) and another with fewer but stronger doses (Hypofractionated WPRT). It suits men diagnosed with unfavorable intermediate or high-risk prostate cancer who have not undergone certain treatments like previous radiotherapy or prostate surgery. The goal is to assess if the shorter treatment is equally effective with manageable side effects, potentially offering a better option for patients. As a Phase 2 trial, this research measures the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group, providing a promising opportunity to explore new treatment options.

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 this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research has shown that hypofractionated whole pelvis radiotherapy (WPRT) usually results in manageable side effects. In one study, most patients experienced some urinary and bowel issues, common with radiation treatments, but these were not severe for most individuals.

However, the overall safety and effectiveness of hypofractionated WPRT in fighting cancer remain uncertain. While early results appear promising, further research is needed to confirm these findings in larger populations.

For those considering joining a trial, hypofractionated WPRT offers the convenience of fewer treatment sessions compared to the standard approach. This could mean spending less time in treatment, but it is important to discuss potential side effects and benefits with a doctor. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?

Researchers are excited about the hypofractionated whole pelvic radiotherapy (WPRT) approach for prostate cancer because it delivers radiation in a shorter timeframe with fewer sessions compared to conventional methods. Traditional treatments usually involve multiple weeks of daily sessions, but hypofractionated WPRT can complete the course in just five sessions, which could greatly reduce the burden on patients. Additionally, this technique still includes a high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy boost, ensuring that the cancerous tissue receives an effective radiation dose. By potentially maintaining effectiveness while offering a more convenient treatment schedule, this method could improve patient experience and compliance.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for prostate cancer?

This trial will compare hypofractionated whole pelvis radiotherapy (WPRT) with conventionally-fractionated WPRT for prostate cancer. Research has shown that shorter courses of radiation, like hypofractionated WPRT, can be as safe and effective as traditional longer treatments. Long-term evidence indicates that these shorter treatments can control cancer without increasing side effects. Studies suggest that delivering higher doses of radiation in fewer sessions might improve outcomes for patients with high-risk prostate cancer. However, researchers continue to study the impact on quality of life and specific side effects, such as digestive issues. Overall, hypofractionated WPRT presents a promising option for effective and convenient prostate cancer treatment. ^{2 5 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Lucas C Mendez, MD

Principal Investigator

London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults over 18 with a specific type of prostate cancer that's at an intermediate to very-high risk. They must have no prior major treatments on the pelvis, be in good physical condition (able to perform daily activities without assistance), and not have inflammatory or connective tissue diseases, metastasis, or serious medical conditions that would interfere with treatment.

Inclusion Criteria

I have never had treatments like radiation or surgery on my pelvis.

My prostate cancer is high risk with a PSA over 20 ng/mL or is in stage T3a or T3b.

I am fully active or can carry out light work.

Exclusion Criteria

I do not have serious health issues that prevent me from having HDR-BT.

I cannot or do not want to fill out questionnaires.

I cannot undergo surgery with general anesthesia due to health reasons.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive either hypofractionated WPRT (5 fractions) or conventionally-fractionated WPRT (25 fractions) with HDR brachytherapy boost

5-25 fractions

5-25 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including quality of life and toxicity assessments

2 years

Multiple visits (in-person and virtual) over 2 years

Long-term Follow-up

Participants are monitored for long-term outcomes such as overall survival and biochemical failure-free survival

Up to 7 years

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Conventionally-fractionated WPRT
• Hypofractionated WPRT

Trial Overview The study compares two ways of delivering radiation therapy: one uses fewer high-dose treatments (hypofractionated WPRT) while the other uses more frequent low-dose treatments (conventionally-fractionated WPRT). The goal is to see if the shorter treatment works as well as the standard one and how they both affect quality of life.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Hypofractionated WPRT Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

15 Gy HDR brachytherapy boost will be administered followed by 25 Gy WPRT in 5 fractions. Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) may also be prescribed at the discretion of the treating physician.

Group II: Conventionally-fractionated WPRT Active Control 1 Intervention

15 Gy HDR brachytherapy boost will be administered followed by 45 Gy WPRT in 25 fractions. Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) may also be prescribed at the discretion of the treating physician.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute and Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's

Lead Sponsor

Trials

686

Recruited

427,000+

London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's

Lead Sponsor

Trials

678

Recruited

421,000+

London Health Sciences Centre OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's

Lead Sponsor

Trials

668

Recruited

424,000+

Lawson Health Research Institute

Lead Sponsor

Trials

684

Recruited

432,000+

AbbVie

Industry Sponsor

Trials

1,079

Recruited

535,000+

Founded

2013

Headquarters

North Chicago, USA

Known For

Immunology treatments

Top Products

Humira (adalimumab), Skyrizi (risankizumab), Rinvoq (upadacitinib)

Dr. Roopal Thakkar

AbbVie

Chief Medical Officer since 2023

MD from Wayne State University School of Medicine

Robert A. Michael

AbbVie

Chief Executive Officer

Bachelor's degree in Finance from the University of Illinois

Canadian Association of Radiation Oncology

Industry Sponsor

Trials

8

Recruited

500+

Published Research Related to This Trial

In a study of 820 patients with localized prostate cancer, hypofractionated radiation therapy showed similar 5-year relapse-free survival rates compared to conventional radiation therapy, but it did not demonstrate noninferiority in terms of genitourinary and gastrointestinal quality of life.

While hypofractionation did not perform as well for urinary and gastrointestinal symptoms, it was found to be noninferior for other aspects of quality of life, such as symptoms related to androgen deprivation therapy and sexual function.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Moderate Hypofractionation in Intermediate- and High-Risk, Localized Prostate Cancer: Health-Related Quality of Life From the Randomized, Phase 3 HYPRO Trial. Wortel, RC., Oomen-de Hoop, E., Heemsbergen, WD., et al.[2019]

Prostate hypofractionation, which involves delivering higher doses of radiation in fewer sessions, shows low morbidity and may improve outcomes for high-risk prostate cancer patients, especially when using advanced techniques like high-dose-rate brachytherapy and image-guided intensity modulated radiation therapy.

Combining whole-pelvic radiation therapy with hypofractionated prostate radiation is feasible but still under investigation, suggesting that targeting pelvic lymph nodes at high risk for cancer involvement could enhance treatment effectiveness.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Whole-pelvic nodal radiation therapy in the context of hypofractionation for high-risk prostate cancer patients: a step forward. Kaidar-Person, O., Roach, M., Créhange, G.[2022]

In a study of 289 prostate cancer patients, hypofractionated proton beam therapy (PBT) showed no significant differences in acute adverse event rates or quality of life, as measured by the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), compared to conventionally fractionated PBT.

The study evaluated patients treated with different doses (2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 Gy RBE per fraction) and found that factors like diabetes, age, and androgen deprivation therapy did not influence the IPSS outcomes, suggesting that hypofractionated PBT is a safe option without increased toxicity.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Acute toxicity and patient-reported symptom score after conventional versus moderately hypofractionated proton therapy for prostate cancer. Iizumi, T., Ishikawa, H., Sekino, Y., et al.[2022]

Hypofractionated radiotherapy for prostate cancer, which delivers larger doses in fewer sessions, has shown improved biochemical control of the disease, supported by multiple clinical trials.

Advanced radiation techniques like 3D conformal radiotherapy and intensity modulated radiation therapy enable higher doses to the prostate while protecting surrounding healthy tissues, making hypofractionation a safer and more effective option.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Review of hypofractionated radiotherapy for prostate cancer. Spyropoulou, D., Kardamakis, D.[2021]

This phase II study involves 58 patients with high-risk prostate cancer, comparing the effects of hypofractionated whole pelvis radiotherapy (WPRT) to conventionally fractionated WPRT, focusing on late bowel toxicity as the primary endpoint.

If hypofractionated WPRT proves to be well-tolerated and effective, it could become the new standard of care for treating high-risk prostate cancer, offering a more convenient treatment option.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Is hypofractionated whole pelvis radiotherapy (WPRT) as well tolerated as conventionally fractionated WPRT in prostate cancer patients? The HOPE trial. Mendez, LC., Arifin, AJ., Bauman, GS., et al.[2021]

In a study of 41 patients with high-risk localized prostate cancer, combining whole-pelvis irradiation with a stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) boost resulted in a high 4-year biochemical failure-free survival rate of 91.9%, indicating effective cancer control.

The treatment was associated with minimal toxicity, with no severe (grade 3) gastrointestinal or genitourinary side effects reported, suggesting that this approach is safe for patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The early result of whole pelvic radiotherapy and stereotactic body radiotherapy boost for high-risk localized prostate cancer. Lin, YW., Lin, LC., Lin, KL.[2020]

The Scandinavian HYPO-RT-PC trial, involving 1200 men with intermediate-to-high-risk prostate cancer, demonstrated that ultra-hypofractionated radiotherapy (42.7 Gy in seven fractions) is non-inferior to conventional fractionation (78.0 Gy in 39 fractions) in terms of failure-free survival over a median follow-up of 5 years.

While ultra-hypofractionation resulted in more acute urinary and bowel symptoms during treatment, late toxicity rates were similar to those of conventional fractionation, suggesting that ultra-hypofractionation is a safe and effective option for prostate cancer treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Ultra-hypofractionated versus conventionally fractionated radiotherapy for prostate cancer: 5-year outcomes of the HYPO-RT-PC randomised, non-inferiority, phase 3 trial. Widmark, A., Gunnlaugsson, A., Beckman, L., et al.[2019]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11384977/

Moderately hypofractionated prostate-only versus whole ... Moderately hypofractionated WPRT did not improve oncological outcomes. No observed difference in QoL, GI, or sexual toxicity between PORT ...

2. bmccancer.biomedcentral.com bmccancer.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12885-020-07490-0

Is hypofractionated whole pelvis radiotherapy (WPRT) as well ... However, toxicity and cancer outcomes associated with hypofractionated WPRT are unclear at this time. This phase II study aims to investigate ...

3. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41391-025-00976-7

Ultra-hypofractionation for node-positive prostate cancer This review aims to explore the therapeutic advancements of the past decade, with a focus on the role of ultra-hypofractionated radiotherapy in node-positive ...

4. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1558767324000739

10-yr Results of Moderately Hypofractionated ... Our study provides long term data that a shortened course of postoperative RT is as safe and effective as a long course of conventionally fractionated RT.

5. redjournal.org redjournal.org/article/S0360-3016(13)00167-3/fulltext

Whole-Pelvic Nodal Radiation Therapy in the Context of ... In high-risk prostate cancer patients, there is accumulating evidence that either dose escalation to the prostate or hypofractionation may improve outcome.

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8772149/

Safety of accelerated hypofractionated whole pelvis ... Accelerated, hypofractionated whole pelvis radiotherapy was associated with acceptable GU and GI toxicities and should be further validated for those at risk ...

7. link.springer.com link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00066-023-02104-7

Assessing the toxicity after moderately hypofractionated ... Moderate HF WPRT was well tolerated during the first 2 years. Randomized trials are needed to confirm these findings.

8. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0360301623081890

Is Ultrahypofractionated Whole Pelvis Radiation Therapy ... The aim of this work was to evaluate the acute toxicity and quality-of-life (QOL) impact of ultrahypofractionated whole pelvis radiation therapy (WPRT) ...