Active not recruitingPHASE2INTERVENTIONAL

Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy for Comprehensive Treatment of Oligometastatic Tumors (SABR-COMET)

This study, called SABR-COMET, is looking at a new, very precise type of radiation treatment called Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR). SABR delivers high doses of radiation to small tumours in a short amount of time, usually 1 to 3 weeks. Researchers think this focused approach might reduce side effects and better control the cancer. The study compares SABR with traditional radiation and chemotherapy treatments to see which is more effective for people who have a few tumours that have spread from their original location (known as metastatic tumours). The main goals are to find out if SABR helps people live longer and improves their quality of life.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

PHASE2

Sponsor

London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's

Enrolment target

Start

01 Nov 2011

Estimated completion

01 Jun 2026

Metastatic Tumors

What is this study about?

When cancer spreads from where it first started to other parts of the body, these new growths are called metastatic tumours. While this can be a worrying time, medical science is constantly developing new ways to treat these tumours and improve people's lives. This study is testing one such new approach called Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy, or SABR.

SABR is a very advanced type of radiation treatment. Imagine a highly skilled archer aiming an arrow at a very small target – that's a bit like how SABR works. It uses special equipment to deliver strong, focused beams of radiation directly to a tumour, while trying to avoid the healthy tissues around it. This is different from more traditional radiation, which might treat a larger area with lower doses.

The main idea behind SABR is that by being so precise, it could potentially get rid of the cancer more effectively and cause fewer side effects than older treatments. In this study, some people will receive SABR, and others will get the standard treatments currently used, which might include chemotherapy or traditional, less focused radiation. The researchers will then carefully compare the two groups to see if SABR helps people live longer and feel better overall.

Key takeaways

SABR is a new, precise radiation treatment for specific metastatic tumours.
The study compares SABR with standard treatments to see which is better.
It aims to improve survival and quality of life for cancer patients.
You must have a limited number of tumours that have spread to be eligible.
You will be randomly assigned to receive either SABR or standard care.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and willing to give your permission to take part. Doctors need to have confirmed you have cancer that has spread, and you should be in reasonably good health, able to carry out your normal daily activities without too much difficulty.

Also, your original cancer should be under control for at least three months, and you should have only a small number of metastatic tumours – specifically, no more than three in any single organ like your lungs, liver, brain, or bones. The medical team must believe they can safely treat all your tumours. You should also have an expected life span of more than six months.

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 a small number (up to 3 in each organ) of tumours that have spread?
Is your original cancer under control for at least 3 months?
Are you generally well enough to go about your daily life?
Have you not had radiation or a specific type of burning treatment (RFA) to the exact same tumour we might treat in the study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you would be put into one of two groups by chance, like flipping a coin. One group will receive the new SABR treatment, and the other will get standard care, which might involve traditional radiation therapy or other treatments as decided by your doctors to help with symptoms or prevent new problems.

For those in the SABR group, the treatment typically involves one to five short sessions over one to two weeks. The standard treatment group might have slightly different schedules depending on the type and location of the cancer. You will have regular appointments for scans and check-ups to see how the treatment is working and how you are feeling. The exact number of visits and the total duration aren't specified but would involve follow-up over time to monitor your health and treatment results.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in any clinical trial has potential benefits and risks. A potential benefit of this study is that you might receive access to SABR, a new and highly targeted treatment that could be more effective and have fewer side effects than standard care for your type of cancer. However, as with any medical treatment, there are potential risks, and SABR could have its own side effects, although the aim is to minimise these. Your doctors will discuss all known risks with you. Remember, you can decide to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (10)

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

Alfred Health, William Burkland Radiotherapy Centre
Verified postcode
Melbourne, Australia
BC Cancer Agency
Verified postcode
Vancouver, Canada
Atlantic Clinical Cancer Research , QEII Health Sciences Centre
Verified postcode
Halifax, Canada
Juravinski Cancer Centre, Hamilton Health Sciences
Verified postcode
Hamilton, Canada
London Regional Cancer Program of the Lawson Health Research Institute
Verified postcode
London, Canada
Ottawa Cancer Centre
Verified postcode
Ottawa, Canada
PEI Cancer Treatment Center
Verified postcode
Charlottetown, Canada
McGill University Health Centre Research Institute
Verified postcode
Montreal, Canada
VU University Amsterdam (VUmc)
Verified postcode
Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre
Verified postcode
Glasgow, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is SABR?

SABR stands for Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy. It's a very precise type of radiation treatment that delivers high doses to small tumours in a short amount of time.

What kind of cancers is this study for?

This study is for people who have a small number of tumours that have spread from their original cancer, known as metastatic tumours, in organs like the lungs, liver, brain, or bones.

Will I know if I'm getting SABR or standard treatment?

No, you won't know initially. Patients are randomly assigned to either the SABR group or the standard treatment group to ensure the study results are fair and unbiased.

How long will the treatment last?

For SABR, treatment usually involves 1 to 5 sessions over one to two weeks. Standard treatment times can vary.

What are the main goals of this study?

The study aims to compare SABR with current treatments to see if it helps people live longer and improves their quality of life.