Simulation-Free Celiac Plexus Pain Ablation Using Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy in Patients With Cancer-Related Celiac Pain
This study is investigating a new, faster method for delivering a type of radiation treatment called SBRT to help manage severe pain caused by cancer in the upper tummy (celiac plexus pain). Normally, planning this radiation can take up to two weeks. This trial explores whether using a patient's existing scans and a technique called Adaptive Radiotherapy (ART) can allow the planning and treatment to happen all in one single visit. The main goal is to check if this faster process is practical and safe for patients. While the core radiation treatment is already a standard approach, the way it's planned and delivered in a single session is new and aims to make the process more convenient for patients dealing with advanced cancer and its associated pain.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This clinical trial is designed for people who have advanced cancer, particularly pancreatic cancer, and are experiencing severe pain in their upper tummy area. This pain often comes from a group of nerves called the celiac plexus, located behind your stomach and pancreas.
Traditionally, a special type of radiation therapy called Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) is used to help manage this painful condition. However, getting this treatment usually involves several steps over about one to two weeks. First, you'd have a special scan to plan the radiation, and then you'd come back later for the actual treatment. This study is exploring a new, quicker way to deliver this treatment, aiming to reduce the waiting time and separate appointments.
The new approach in this study works by using scans you might have already had for your diagnosis (like CT or PET scans). Then, on the day of your treatment, a special technique called Adaptive Radiotherapy (ART) is used. This allows the medical team to fine-tune the treatment plan based on your body's exact position and inside layout on that specific day. The main idea is to see if this method allows both the planning and the actual radiation treatment to be done safely and effectively in just one visit.
Key takeaways
- This study explores a faster way to treat cancer pain in the upper tummy.
- It aims to combine radiation planning and treatment into one visit.
- It uses existing scans and special adjustments on the treatment day.
- The core radiation treatment is standard, but the process is new.
- This could make treatment more convenient for patients.
- It's for people with advanced cancer and severe tummy pain.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be over 18 years old and have been diagnosed with cancer that has spread or can't be surgically removed. Crucially, your doctor must agree that this type of radiation treatment to your celiac plexus (nerve bundle in the upper tummy) is a suitable option for you.
You should be experiencing significant pain in your lower back or upper tummy area, severe enough to score at least 5 out of 10 on a pain scale. Imaging scans must also show that your cancer is affecting the celiac plexus nerves. You should also be able to lie still on your back for about 45 minutes.
However, you can't join if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you've already had radiation treatment to the same area of your upper tummy. Patients with certain conditions that might increase radiation side effects, like inflammatory bowel disease, are also not eligible. You also can't take part if you are too unwell to participate.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- I am over 18 years old.
- I have advanced cancer that is causing severe pain in my upper tummy/back related to the celiac plexus nerves.
- My doctor thinks SBRT radiation therapy is a good option for my pain.
- I can lie still on my back for about 45 minutes.
- I am not pregnant or breastfeeding.
- I haven't had radiation to my upper tummy before that would cover this area.
What does participation involve?
This study aims for a single-visit treatment. You will have had a recent diagnostic CT scan of your tummy and pelvis. On the day of treatment, the team will use this information along with on-table imaging to create your precise treatment plan. Then, the radiation therapy will be delivered during the same visit. After the treatment, the research team will monitor your progress and pain relief, though the specific follow-up schedule isn't detailed here.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Princess Margaret Cancer CentreVerified postcodeToronto, Canada· Recruiting
Common questions
What is celiac plexus pain?
It's severe pain in the upper tummy or lower back, often caused by cancer affecting a group of nerves behind your stomach and pancreas.
What is SBRT?
SBRT is a focused type of radiation therapy that delivers high doses of radiation to a specific area to treat cancer or manage pain from it.
How is this study different from standard treatment?
The main difference is that this study tries to do the planning and delivery of radiation in a single visit, instead of spreading it out over days or weeks.
Will I still get my normal cancer treatments?
Any other cancer treatments (like chemotherapy) would need to be paused for about a week before and after the radiation treatment in this study.
Is the radiation treatment new?
No, the radiation treatment itself (SBRT) is a standard approach. What's new is the streamlined, single-visit planning and delivery process.
How to find out more
Michael Yan
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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