Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Assessment of Precision Irradiation in Early NSCLC and Interstitial Lung Disease

This study is for people with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer who also have a condition called interstitial lung disease (ILD), which causes scarring in the lungs. Sometimes, surgery isn't a safe option for these patients, leaving them with limited choices. Researchers are investigating a treatment called Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR). This is a modern, very precise type of radiation therapy that delivers high doses directly to the tumour. The study aims to find out if SABR is effective at treating the cancer and if it causes side effects for people with ILD. They will compare outcomes to similar patients who didn't receive treatment, focusing on how long people live. This could help doctors understand the best way to treat lung cancer when ILD is also present.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

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

Enrolment target

Start

20 Sep 2018

Estimated completion

20 Sep 2026

Non Small Cell Lung Cancer Interstitial Lung Disease

What is this study about?

This study is looking into a way to treat early-stage lung cancer, specifically a type called Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). It's focused on patients who also have a lung condition called Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD). ILD causes scarring in the lungs, which can make things like surgery more complicated or risky.

For people with both early lung cancer and ILD, choosing the right treatment can be very difficult. Surgery, which is often a main treatment for early lung cancer, might not be suitable because of the ILD. This leaves patients and their doctors with a challenge: treating the cancer can cause side effects, but not treating it means the cancer could grow and spread. This study aims to find a safe and effective treatment option for this group of patients.

The treatment being studied is called Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy, or SABR. This is a very advanced type of radiation therapy. It uses special technology to deliver highly focused, strong doses of radiation directly to the cancer in just a few treatments. SABR is known for being very precise, which helps to protect healthy tissues around the tumour. Because it's so targeted, SABR often has fewer side effects than older types of radiation, even for people with other health problems. Researchers hope this precision might make it a good option for people with ILD, where protecting the lungs is extra important.

Key takeaways

Targets early lung cancer in people with existing lung scarring (ILD).
Uses a special, precise radiation called SABR.
Aims to find a safe treatment when surgery isn't an option.
Compares SABR outcomes to patients who didn't receive treatment.
You must have early-stage lung cancer and ILD.
Your doctors must agree surgery isn't the best option for you.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you would need to have early-stage non-small cell lung cancer, meaning the cancer is small (up to 5cm across) and hasn't spread to your lymph nodes or other parts of your body. You also need to have Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), which must be confirmed by a lung specialist.

It's important that surgery isn't considered the best option for your lung cancer. This might be because a chest surgeon or a team of specialists decided it's too risky, or if you prefer not to have surgery. While it's best to have a confirmed cancer diagnosis from a biopsy, it's not always absolutely needed if a biopsy is too risky and scans strongly suggest lung cancer. You should also be at least 18 years old, generally well enough to manage daily activities, and doctors expect you to live for 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.

Do I have early-stage lung cancer that hasn't spread?
Has a lung specialist confirmed I have Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)?
Have my doctors said surgery isn't the best option for my lung cancer?
Am I generally well enough for daily activities and over 18?
Am I not currently pregnant and haven't had previous radiation to my chest?
Am I likely to live for more than 6 months?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The study itself doesn't mention specific details about visits or follow-up, but generally, if you take part in a study like this, you can expect to have scans and medical checks before, during, and after your radiation treatment. The radiation treatment itself (SABR) usually involves a few sessions over about one to two weeks. After treatment, you would have regular follow-up appointments, including scans, to check how well the treatment worked and if there are any side effects. These follow-up visits would continue for some time, possibly several years, to monitor your health. The total duration of your participation in terms of follow-up would be explained by the study team.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of joining this study include receiving an advanced, highly targeted radiation treatment (SABR) for your lung cancer, which may be more effective and have fewer side effects than other options, especially if surgery isn't suitable. It could also help doctors learn more about treating cancer in people with ILD. Potential risks of SABR, while generally low, could include inflammation or scarring in the lungs (which might be more of a concern with existing ILD), fatigue, or irritation where the radiation is given. You would be closely monitored for any side effects. Remember, you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (6)

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

Alberta Health Services, Cross Cancer Institude
Verified postcode
Edmonton, Canada
London Regional Cancer Program of the Lawson Health Research Institute
Verified postcode
London, Canada
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada
UHN Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada
CHUM Université de Montréal
Verified postcode
Montreal, Canada
Edinburgh Cancer Centre, Western General Hospital
Verified postcode
Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)?

It's the most common type of lung cancer. This study is looking at it in its early stages.

What is Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)?

ILD is a group of conditions that cause scarring in the lungs, making it harder to breathe.

What is SABR?

SABR (Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy) is a very precise type of radiation treatment that delivers strong doses directly to the tumour in a few sessions.

Why is this study important?

It aims to find a safe and effective way to treat early lung cancer for people who also have lung scarring (ILD), especially when surgery isn't an option.

Will I get other cancer treatments during the study?

Generally no, unless your cancer gets worse. You can continue taking certain medications for your ILD if prescribed.