Radiation for Cancer

(RT-NOW Trial)

Overseen By David Palma, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: David Palma

Disqualifiers: Curative treatment, Lymphoma suspicion, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

48 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores the safety of starting radiation treatment for cancer patients before confirming their diagnosis with a biopsy. It aims to assist those urgently needing radiation due to severe symptoms like pain, bleeding, or breathing problems, without waiting for biopsy results. Ideal participants are those with serious cancer-related issues that cannot wait, such as spinal pressure or brain symptoms, and who have recent imaging scans indicating probable cancer. This study excludes individuals who might be cured with other treatments or those suspected of having lymphoma, a type of blood cancer.

As a Phase 1 trial, this research focuses on understanding how the treatment works in people, offering participants the opportunity to be among the first to receive this potentially groundbreaking approach.

What prior data suggests that delivering radiation before a biopsy is safe?

Research has shown that most patients handle radiation therapy well. One study found that 83% of patients responded positively, with tumors shrinking or cancer cells being destroyed. However, about 3.2% of patients experienced serious side effects, such as severe harm to the body.

While radiation therapy can be effective, it carries some risks. For example, targeting the chest may pose a small risk of heart problems. Monitoring these potential side effects during treatment is crucial. Overall, radiation therapy has been safely used in many cancer treatments, but patients should discuss specific risks with their doctor. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores the potential benefits of administering radiation therapy before pathology in palliative oncology. Unlike traditional approaches where pathology typically guides treatment decisions, this trial tests whether using radiation first could offer quicker symptom relief for patients with advanced cancer. If successful, this approach could streamline care and improve quality of life by reducing the wait time associated with diagnostic procedures.

Who Is on the Research Team?

David Palma, MD

Principal Investigator

London Health Sciences Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

Inclusion Criteria

The patient has at least one area of cancer that can be tested with a biopsy.

You are willing to give permission to take part in the study after learning about it.

You have advanced cancer that cannot be cured.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Radiation

Participants receive radiation therapy before obtaining biopsy results

2 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after radiation therapy

2 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

David Palma

Lead Sponsor

Trials

4

Recruited

530+

Citations

1. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK585623/

Risks in Oncology and Radiation Therapy - NCBI It is estimated that the relative risk of cardiovascular events after mediastinal radiation ranges from 2.2% to 7.2% for Hodgkin lymphoma cases ...

2. astro.org astro.org/practice-support/quality-and-safety/ro-ils

RO-ILS RO-ILS: Radiation Oncology Incident Learning System® collects patient safety data and develops education to improve radiation therapy processes and treatments.

3. iaea.org iaea.org/resources/rpop/resources/databases-and-learning-systems/safron

Safety in Radiation Oncology (SAFRON) The main goal of SAFRON is to improve the safe planning and delivery of radiotherapy and radionuclide therapy by sharing safety-related events and safety ...

4. cancer.gov cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/radiation-therapy

Radiation Therapy for Cancer - NCI Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) is a cancer treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S240563082300112X

Efficacy and safety analysis in metastatic cancer patients ... Response to radiotherapy was observed in 548 (83.0 %) cases and CTCAE toxicity grade > 3 was observed in 21 (3.2 %) cases. •. An increasing number of RT courses ...