RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Heuristics, Algorithms and Machine Learning: Evaluation & Testing in Radiation Therapy

This study, called Hamlet.rt, is looking at how computer programs, including something called 'machine learning', can help predict who might experience side effects from radiotherapy for cancer. If you're having image-guided radiotherapy with the aim to cure your cancer, you might be asked to take part. Researchers will collect information about your treatment plan, your health before treatment, and how you're doing during and after treatment. This data will be used to build a smart computer model that can estimate your personal risk of side effects. This could lead to more personalised and safer cancer treatment for future patients. The study also aims to create a shared resource for other researchers to improve radiotherapy techniques.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

CCTU- Cancer Theme

Enrolment target

310

Start

11 Sep 2019

Estimated completion

01 Jan 2028

Cancer

What is this study about?

The Hamlet.rt study is looking into how we can use clever computer programs, including a type of artificial intelligence called 'machine learning', to better understand and predict the side effects experienced by people undergoing radiotherapy for cancer. Radiotherapy is a common and effective treatment, but like many treatments, it can sometimes cause side effects. This study aims to make these treatments even safer and more tailored to each individual.

Researchers will collect information from patients who are receiving image-guided radiotherapy with the goal of curing their cancer. This information includes details from their radiotherapy treatment plan, their health before treatment, and how they are feeling both during and after their treatment. By looking at all this data, the computer programs will learn to spot patterns and predict the risk of significant side effects for different patients. This means that in the future, doctors might be able to use these predictions to adjust treatment plans, reducing the chance of unwanted side effects.

Ultimately, this research hopes to make radiotherapy more precise and personalised. By predicting who might be more likely to have certain side effects, doctors could offer more focused support or change treatment slightly to protect healthy tissues. The study also aims to create a valuable collection of anonymised data that other scientists can use to continue developing even better radiotherapy techniques, benefiting many more cancer patients in the long run.

Key takeaways

Study explores predicting radiotherapy side effects using computer models.
No changes to your cancer treatment if you participate.
Involves answering questionnaires about your health over time.
Aims to improve future cancer care by making radiotherapy safer.
Data collected will help other researchers develop better treatments.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult (18 years or older) and willing to give your permission to take part. You must have been diagnosed with certain types of cancer, specifically prostate, head and neck, lung, or brain cancer. Importantly, your treatment must be image-guided radiotherapy with the aim to cure your cancer, not just manage symptoms. You should also be generally well enough to go about your daily activities with little difficulty, and your doctors should expect you to live for at least 18 months.

Unfortunately, if you're not able to complete the study's requirements, such as filling out online questionnaires about your health over time, then you wouldn't be able to join. The researchers need to collect this follow-up information to understand the long-term effects of treatment.

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.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have prostate, head and neck, lung, or brain cancer being treated with curative radiotherapy?
Are you generally well and active?
Are you able to complete online health questionnaires over time?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you won't be given any new treatments or medicines. Instead, the study will collect information that your medical team is already gathering as part of your standard care. This includes details about your radiotherapy treatment plan, your health information from before treatment, and how you're feeling during and after your treatment.

You will also be asked to complete some questionnaires, which might be online. These questionnaires will ask about your health and any side effects you might be experiencing. These will be completed at specific times both during and after your radiotherapy treatment. The study aims to follow participants over a long period to understand the full impact of treatment. Your total time in the study would depend on your treatment and follow-up schedule as determined by your medical team.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study will not change your cancer treatment plan, so there are no direct new medical risks to you. You won't receive any experimental treatments. The main benefit is that the information you provide could help researchers develop better ways to predict and manage radiotherapy side effects for future patients, making treatments safer and more personalised. The main commitment is completing questionnaires over time. You are always free to withdraw from the study at any point without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Cambridge, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

Will my treatment change if I join this study?

No, your cancer treatment will remain exactly the same whether you join the study or not.

What kind of information will you collect about me?

Researchers will collect details about your radiotherapy plan, your health before treatment, and how you feel during and after treatment, usually through questionnaires.

How long will I be involved in the study?

You'll be involved for the duration of your treatment and follow-up, which can be a long-term process, depending on your individual care plan.

Do I have to fill out online surveys?

Yes, a key part of the study involves completing web-based questionnaires about your health over time.

Will taking part benefit me directly?

While it won't change your own treatment, the information you provide will help make radiotherapy safer and more effective for future patients.

How to find out more

Meena Murthy

meena.murthy@addenbrookes.nhs.uk 01223 349707 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.