Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy for Oligometastatic Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
This research study is for people with a type of lung cancer called non-small cell lung cancer that has spread a little (oligometastatic). We want to find out if adding a special, very precise type of radiotherapy, called Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR), alongside standard cancer treatments makes a difference. Patients will be randomly put into two groups: one receiving standard treatment only, and the other receiving standard treatment plus SABR and conventional radiotherapy. The study will look at whether the combined treatment helps patients live longer, controls the cancer better, and how safe it is. It's about finding the best combination of treatments to help people with this specific type of lung cancer.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is investigating a new approach for people diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer that has spread to a few, limited areas in the body – this is often called 'oligometastatic' disease. Currently, the main treatment for patients in this situation is chemotherapy or similar anti-cancer medicines. Researchers want to see if adding a very targeted type of radiotherapy, called Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR), to these standard medicines could be more effective.
SABR is a highly precise radiation treatment that delivers strong doses of radiation to cancer cells while trying to spare healthy surrounding tissues. The study aims to compare two groups of patients: one group will receive the usual anti-cancer medicines, and the other group will receive these standard medicines combined with SABR and regular radiotherapy to the main tumour. By comparing these groups, doctors hope to learn if adding SABR improves how long patients live, how well their cancer is controlled, and what the side effects might be.
This research is important because it could help doctors understand if combining these treatments offers a better pathway for people with this stage of lung cancer. It also looks at the practicalities of giving SABR alongside standard treatment and how it affects patients' quality of life and healthcare resources.
Key takeaways
- Tests if adding special radiotherapy (SABR) helps non-small cell lung cancer that has spread a little.
- Compares standard treatment alone versus standard treatment plus radiotherapy and SABR.
- Aims to improve cancer control and potentially extend life for eligible patients.
- Involves random assignment to a treatment group.
- Requires specific scans to check cancer spread.
- Participation includes regular monitoring and assessments.
Who may be eligible?
To be considered for this study, you would generally need to be at least 18 years old and have a confirmed diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer. It's for patients where the cancer has spread to a small number of places – usually 1 to 5 spots in up to 3 different organs.
Before starting the main treatment part of the study, you would need to have had specific scans, like a PET-CT scan and a brain MRI, to understand the extent of your cancer. Your general health would also be assessed to make sure you're well enough to receive both the standard anti-cancer medication and the radiotherapy treatments. Both your main tumour and any areas where the cancer has spread would need to be suitable for these radiotherapy treatments.
Importantly, your care team will decide if you are fit enough for the treatments involved, based on your overall health and specific cancer type. If you have brain metastases, there are specific guidelines that need to be met regarding their size and number.
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 a confirmed diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer?
- Has your cancer spread to only a few, limited areas (1-5 spots in up to 3 organs)?
- Are you generally well enough to receive both anti-cancer medicines and radiotherapy?
- Have you had recent full body and brain scans (PET-CT and MRI/CT)?
- Is your main tumour and any spread suitable for radiotherapy?
What does participation involve?
If you join this study, you would be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will receive standard anti-cancer medication. The other group will receive the same standard anti-cancer medication, plus radiotherapy to your main tumour and SABR to any areas where the cancer has spread. The choice of anti-cancer medication will be decided by your doctor based on standard practice.
You will have regular appointments and scans to monitor your health and the cancer's response to treatment. The study will also track any side effects you experience and how you feel generally. The total duration of your participation will depend on your treatment plan and follow-up schedule, but it involves monitoring your progress over time.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (19)
- UCLHVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom
- Belfast City HospitalVerified postcodeBelfast, United Kingdom
- Queen Elizabeth HospitalVerified postcodeBirmingham, United Kingdom
- Bristol Royal InfirmaryVerified postcodeBristol, United Kingdom
- Addenbrooke's HospitalVerified postcodeCambridge, United Kingdom
- BEATSONVerified postcodeGlasgow, United Kingdom
- Royal Surrey County HospitalVerified postcodeGuildford, United Kingdom
- St James's University HospitalVerified postcodeLeeds, United Kingdom
- Leicester Royal InfirmaryVerified postcodeLeicester, United Kingdom
- Guy's and St Thomas's HospitalVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom
- St Bart's HospitalVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom
- The Royal Marsden HospitalVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is 'oligometastatic' lung cancer?
It means your lung cancer has spread to a limited number of spots in other parts of your body, usually less than five.
What is SABR?
SABR stands for Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy. It's a very precise way of delivering strong beams of radiation to treat tumours, trying to protect healthy tissue.
Will I definitely get SABR if I join this study?
No, you will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one receives standard treatment only, and the other receives standard treatment plus radiotherapy and SABR.
What kind of scans will I need?
You'll need body scans like a PET-CT and a brain MRI (or sometimes a CT scan) to accurately map where your cancer is.
Can I leave the study if I change my mind?
Yes, you can choose to leave the study at any point 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.
Discussion
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