Radiation Therapy for Cancer
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to understand how different types of radiation therapy affect patients. It examines treatments such as brachytherapy (internal radiation therapy), photon therapy (external beam radiation therapy), proton therapy, and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), collecting data from patients scheduled to receive these treatments. The goal is to evaluate the effectiveness of these therapies for various diseases. Candidates are a good fit for this trial if they are scheduled to start radiation therapy and can consent to participate. As a Phase 2 trial, this research measures the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group, offering participants a chance to contribute to important findings.
Do I need to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
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?
A previous study showed that brachytherapy is safe when patients follow their care team's advice. The radiation from brachytherapy seeds decreases quickly, so the risk to others remains low. Research has shown that photon therapy uses strong beams, like X-rays, to target cancer deep inside the body. This type of therapy is well-understood and commonly used.
Proton therapy may cause fewer side effects than traditional radiation because doctors can better control the radiation's path. This precision could make it safer for some patients.
Unfortunately, clear safety data for SRS therapy is not available in the sources. However, extensive studies on other types of radiation therapy suggest they are generally well-tolerated when administered correctly.
Overall, these treatments are widely used, and there is significant experience in managing any side effects. Patients should always discuss concerns with their care team to determine the best approach.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?
Researchers are excited about the diverse radiation therapies being studied because they each offer unique benefits over traditional options like conventional external beam radiation. Brachytherapy delivers radiation directly inside or next to the tumor, which can minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Photon therapy uses X-rays to precisely target tumors, potentially reducing side effects. Proton therapy offers even more precision than photon therapy, as protons stop at the tumor site, sparing nearby healthy tissue. Lastly, Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) provides high-dose radiation in fewer sessions, which can be especially beneficial for treating small, well-defined tumors quickly and effectively. These advanced therapies aim to improve patient outcomes by enhancing precision and reducing treatment time.
What evidence suggests that this trial's radiation therapy treatments could be effective?
This trial includes various types of radiation therapy, each offering distinct benefits. Participants may receive Brachytherapy, which improves survival rates in prostate cancer by increasing tumor sensitivity to radiation. Photon therapy, another option in this trial, has advanced to better target tumors while protecting healthy tissues. Proton therapy, also under study, precisely limits damage to surrounding areas and reduces side effects compared to traditional methods. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is another treatment option in this trial, providing a survival advantage, especially for brain conditions, with fewer patients needing additional treatments. Each therapy has shown promise in improving outcomes for cancer patients.678910
Who Is on the Research Team?
Carlos Vargas, MD
Principal Investigator
Proton Collaborative Group
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Radiation Therapy
Participants receive various forms of radiation therapy as part of the study
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after radiation therapy
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Brachytherapy
- Photon Therapy
- Proton Therapy
- SRS
Brachytherapy is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada for the following indications:
- Prostate cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Breast cancer
- Skin cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Breast cancer
- Skin cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Brain tumors
- Prostate cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Breast cancer
- Skin cancer
- Esophageal cancer
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Proton Collaborative Group
Lead Sponsor