Adaptive Radiotherapy in Patients With Gynecological Tumors
This study is testing a new, more advanced type of radiotherapy called 'adaptive radiotherapy' for women with certain gynaecological cancers, such as cervical, womb (endometrial), or vaginal cancer. This treatment aims to be more accurate by adjusting the radiation plan each day before treatment. Our bodies can change inside, for example, how full the bladder or bowel is, which can shift the position of a tumour. Adaptive radiotherapy uses daily scans to see these changes and then immediately tweaks the radiation plan. The goal is to ensure the cancer receives the right dose while reducing radiation to healthy surrounding tissues. This study aims to see how well this new method works compared to standard approaches.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is exploring a new way to give radiotherapy called 'adaptive radiotherapy' for women with certain gynaecological cancers, like cervical cancer, womb (endometrial) cancer, or vaginal cancer. Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells, and it's a common treatment. Our bodies aren't always exactly the same day-to-day on the inside. For example, how full your bladder or bowel is can slightly change the position of your organs, including the tumour. This means that a radiation plan set at the beginning of treatment might not be perfectly accurate every single day.
Adaptive radiotherapy is a step forward from standard radiotherapy. With this new method, before each treatment session, a quick scan is taken. This scan helps the medical team see any small changes in your body that day. If needed, they can then immediately adjust the radiation plan to fit these changes. This means the rays can be aimed more precisely at the tumour, making sure the cancer gets the right dose while trying its best to avoid healthy tissues nearby.
The aim of this study is to see how effective and beneficial this daily adjustment is. They want to find out how often these daily adjustments are actually needed to ensure the radiation is delivered as accurately as possible. The study hopes that by being more precise, adaptive radiotherapy could lead to better results for patients and fewer side effects.
Key takeaways
- Tests a new, more precise radiotherapy for gynaecological cancers.
- Adjusts treatment daily based on individual body changes.
- Aims for more accurate targeting of cancer cells.
- Goal is to potentially reduce side effects on healthy tissues.
- Involves daily scans before each treatment session.
Who may be eligible?
To be considered for this study, you would generally need to be a woman who has been diagnosed with a gynaecological cancer that needs radiotherapy as the main treatment, or after surgery if other options aren't suitable. You should be fairly active and able to look after yourself, as indicated by a health score that your doctor will check.
There are also some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if your cancer has come back after previous treatment, or if you've already had radiotherapy in your pelvic area before. Also, if your cancer has spread to distant parts of your body, this study might not be suitable for you.
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 a woman with a gynaecological cancer like cervical, womb, or vaginal cancer?
- Is your cancer getting radiotherapy as a main treatment, or after surgery?
- Have you *not* had radiotherapy in your pelvic area before?
- Has your cancer *not* spread to distant parts of your body?
- Are you generally active and able to look after yourself (your doctor can check this)?
What does participation involve?
If you join this study, you will receive 'adaptive radiotherapy'. This means that before each radiation treatment session, you will have a special scan (called a cone-beam CT) directly on the treatment machine. This scan helps your medical team see your body's internal anatomy for that day. They will then decide if your radiation plan needs a small adjustment to make it as accurate as possible for that specific session. The study plans to look closely at your first 10 radiotherapy sessions, comparing the adjusted plan with the initial plan. All your treatment will happen at the Department for Radiotherapy at the University Hospital Essen. The total duration of your involvement will depend on your full course of radiotherapy.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Department for Radiotherapy, University Hospital Essen, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) WestVerified postcodeEssen, Germany· Recruiting
Common questions
What is adaptive radiotherapy?
It's a type of radiotherapy that adjusts the treatment plan each day, based on daily scans, to target cancer more precisely.
What kind of cancers is this study for?
It's for women with certain gynaecological cancers, such as cervical, womb (endometrial), or vaginal cancer.
Will I have more scans than usual?
You will have a scan before each radiation session, which is used to guide the daily treatment adjustments.
What's the main goal of this study?
The goal is to see if daily adjustments to radiotherapy plans lead to more accurate treatment and potentially better outcomes.
Can I leave the study if I change my mind?
Yes, you can choose to leave the study at any time without it affecting your ongoing medical care.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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