Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

The Role of Stereo-tActic BoDy RadIotherApy iN Oligo-Progressive MalignanT Disease

This study is investigating a special type of radiation treatment called Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) for certain types of cancer. Specifically, it's for people with breast cancer or cancers of the waterworks (genito-urinary system) where the cancer has spread to a few new places, even though other treatments are mostly working. This is called 'oligo-progression'. Traditional treatment usually means changing to a different medicine. However, SBRT delivers a very strong, precise dose of radiation to these small areas of cancer growth, while protecting healthy tissues. Researchers want to see if SBRT can be an effective way to control these specific areas, potentially avoiding the need to change other medications and possibly improving long-term outcomes. Participants will have regular check-ups and provide information on their well-being.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Health Network, Toronto

Enrolment target

130

Start

11 Sep 2019

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2027

Malignancy Breast Cancer Metastatic Genito-urinary

What is this study about?

When people have cancer that has spread, doctors usually give medicines that work throughout the body to control it. Sometimes, even when these medicines are working well overall, a few small areas of cancer might start to grow again. This specific situation is called 'oligo-progression', meaning 'a few areas of growth'. Currently, the standard approach is often to switch to a different body-wide medicine, which can sometimes come with new side effects.

This study explores a different approach using a treatment called Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT). SBRT is a highly advanced type of radiation treatment. Think of it like a very precise laser pointer for cancer. It delivers strong, focused beams of radiation directly to these small areas of cancer that are starting to grow, while trying to avoid harming the healthy parts of the body nearby. This treatment has shown promise in similar situations, sometimes even offering the chance to get rid of these specific cancer spots.

Researchers want to find out if using SBRT for these few areas of cancer growth in people with breast cancer or cancers affecting the bladder, kidney, or prostate can be a good and safe option. We are particularly interested in seeing how it affects the cancer and how people feel during and after treatment. The hope is that this targeted treatment can help control the cancer without needing major changes to other ongoing medications, potentially improving quality of life and long-term outlook for patients.

Key takeaways

This study explores a focused radiation treatment (SBRT) for breast and genito-urinary cancers.
It's for specific situations where a few cancer spots are growing ('oligo-progression').
SBRT aims to target these spots precisely, potentially avoiding a change in other medicines.
Participants will have regular check-ups and fill out quality of life questionnaires.
The study lasts up to 2 years, with optional blood tests available.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and be receiving treatment at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.

Your cancer must be either breast cancer or a genito-urinary cancer (like prostate, bladder, or kidney cancer). A key part of qualifying is having 'oligo-progression'. This means your cancer has spread to no more than 5 specific spots in your body (either inside or outside the head), and these spots must be suitable for treatment with this special radiation.

For prostate cancer specifically, you should be on hormone treatment (ADT) for your metastatic disease, or your cancer might be growing even while on other treatments like chemotherapy. For all types of cancer in this study, the areas of growth must be no bigger than 6cm, and other areas of your cancer should be stable or shrinking.

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 or older?
Do you have breast cancer, prostate cancer, bladder cancer, or kidney cancer?
Has your cancer spread to 5 or fewer new spots in your body?
Are these spots suitable for focused radiation treatment and no bigger than 6cm?
Is the rest of your cancer generally stable or shrinking with your current treatment?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will receive the SBRT treatment for the specific areas of cancer growth. Before starting treatment, you'll have an initial visit. After your treatment is complete, you'll have another visit. Following this, we'll ask you to come in for check-ups every 4 months for up to 2 years.

During each of these visits, you will fill out questionnaires about your quality of life – basically, how you're feeling and how the treatment might be affecting your daily life. You will also have standard scans, just like you would normally for your cancer care. You will be in the study for up to 2 years.

There's an optional part of the study too: you can choose to provide blood samples at the beginning, during treatment, and at some of your follow-up appointments. These samples would be used to look for tiny bits of cancer DNA in your blood.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in any study has potential benefits and risks. The potential benefit of this study is that the SBRT treatment might help control specific areas of your cancer that are growing, potentially without needing to change your other cancer medicines. This could mean fewer side effects than switching to a new systemic therapy. There's also the chance to contribute to medical knowledge, helping future patients. Potential risks relate to the SBRT treatment itself, such as side effects from radiation to the treated areas, which your doctor will discuss with you. You can choose to stop participating in the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada

Common questions

What does 'oligo-progression' mean?

It means your cancer has spread to a small, limited number of new areas in your body, usually 5 or less, even though other treatments are generally working well for the rest of your cancer.

What is SBRT?

SBRT stands for Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy. It's a very precise type of radiation that delivers high doses to small cancer spots while trying to protect nearby healthy tissue.

What types of cancer are included?

This study is for people with breast cancer or cancers of the genito-urinary system, which includes prostate, bladder, and kidney cancer.

How long will I be in the study?

You'll be followed for up to 2 years, with visits every 4 months after your initial treatment and follow-up visit.

Do I have to give blood samples?

No, giving blood samples is optional. You can still join the study even if you prefer not to provide them.