RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

In Vivo Dosimetry for Brachytherapy Study

This research study aims to see how well small measuring devices, called dosimeters, can check the radiation dose during a type of cancer treatment called brachytherapy. Brachytherapy is internal radiotherapy, where a radiation source is placed inside or next to the cancer. We're using these tiny devices to make sure the amount of radiation delivered to the cancer, and to nearby areas like the back passage or urine tube, matches the amount planned by doctors. This helps ensure patients get the right treatment, making it as safe and effective as possible for prostate cancer and specific types of gynaecological cancers. We want to understand if these devices can become a helpful extra check during this important treatment.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust

Enrolment target

Start

03 Mar 2025

Estimated completion

01 Mar 2026

Prostate Cancer Gynaecological Cancer

What is this study about?

This study is looking into a special type of cancer treatment called brachytherapy. Brachytherapy is like radiotherapy, but instead of directing radiation from outside the body, a small radiation source is placed inside or very close to the cancer for a short time. This allows doctors to give a high dose of radiation directly to the cancer while trying to protect healthy tissues nearby.

To make sure this treatment is as safe and effective as possible, doctors carefully plan the exact amount of radiation needed. This study is testing if tiny measuring devices, called dosimeters, can provide an extra check during brachytherapy. These devices are designed to record the actual amount of radiation received inside the body. Think of them like miniature Geiger counters, but much smaller and designed for medical use.

During treatment, these small devices will be gently placed in a few areas: near the cancer itself, and also in nearby parts like the back passage (rectum) or the tube that carries urine out of the body (urethra). This allows us to compare the radiation dose recorded by the devices with the dose that was planned. If the numbers match, it gives everyone extra confidence that the treatment is working as expected. If they don't, it might help us understand if any adjustments are needed in the future to make treatments even more precise.

Key takeaways

Checks radiation dose during internal radiotherapy (brachytherapy).
Uses very small measuring devices called dosimeters.
For prostate or specific gynaecological cancers.
Aims to make future cancer treatments more precise.
Involves no changes to your planned treatment.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or over who are having a specific type of internal radiotherapy called HDR brachytherapy for prostate cancer or certain gynaecological cancers. This could be their only treatment or combined with other radiotherapy.

The gynaecological cancers include specific stages of cervical, vulval, vaginal, or womb cancer that are either new or have come back, and where brachytherapy is a suitable treatment. You should also generally be in good health and able to move around without too much difficulty.

However, you can't join if you've already had brachytherapy in the area being treated, can't give your informed agreement, or can't have an anaesthetic. Certain medical conditions, like bleeding problems, or being allergic to study materials, would also prevent you from taking part. If you've recently been in another medical research study or can't understand the study information in English, you also wouldn't be able to join.

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?
Are you having HDR brachytherapy for prostate or specific gynaecological cancer?
Have you NOT had brachytherapy in the treatment area before?
Are you able to give your agreement to take part and understand information in English?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, it won't involve any extra visits or changes to your planned brachytherapy treatment. The only difference is that tiny measuring devices (dosimeters) will be placed inside or near the cancer, as well as in your back passage and urine tube, at the time of your brachytherapy procedure. This will happen while you are having your anaesthetic for the brachytherapy, so you won't feel anything. After the short brachytherapy treatment, these devices will be removed. There are no additional assessments, medications, or follow-up appointments specifically for this study. The total duration of your participation will only be for the time you are having your brachytherapy procedure.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct personal benefits for patients taking part in this study, as it won't change your planned treatment. However, your participation will help doctors improve our understanding of radiation doses during brachytherapy, potentially making future treatments safer and more accurate for other patients. The risks are very low; the dosimeters are small and typically placed during your anaesthetic for brachytherapy, so you shouldn't feel them being inserted or removed. There is a very small chance of discomfort or infection, similar to any procedure involving placing devices inside the body, but everything will be done to prevent this. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

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

Mount Vernon Cancer Centre
Verified postcode
Northwood, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is brachytherapy?

Brachytherapy is a type of radiotherapy where a small radioactive source is placed inside your body, very close to the cancer, for a short time.

What is a dosimeter?

A dosimeter is a tiny measuring device that records the amount of radiation it receives. We use them as an extra check during treatment.

Will taking part change my cancer treatment?

No, taking part in this study will not change your planned brachytherapy treatment in any way. It's an extra check during your existing treatment.

Will I feel the dosimeters?

The dosimeters are very small and will be placed while you are under anaesthetic for your brachytherapy, so you shouldn't feel them being put in or taken out.

Is there any extra follow-up for this study?

No, there are no extra appointments or follow-up visits needed for this study. Your participation is just during your brachytherapy procedure.

How to find out more

Rishma Bhatti

mvccresearch/enh-tr@nhs.net 0203 826 2020 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.