HIFU Ablation of Soft Tissue Sarcoma
This study is investigating High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) as a new way to treat soft tissue sarcoma and desmoid tumours in the UK. Around 3,300 people in the UK are diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma each year, with treatment often involving surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy. HIFU is a non-invasive technique that uses concentrated ultrasound waves to destroy tumour cells, similar to using a magnifying glass to focus sunlight. It aims to have fewer side effects and a quicker recovery than traditional treatments. This study will recruit 12-16 patients to assess how safe and practical HIFU is, and whether it effectively shrinks these tumours. It will also look at how HIFU might boost the body's immune response against cancer.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Soft tissue sarcoma (STS) is a type of cancer that can grow in various parts of the body, including fat, muscle, and nerves. It's relatively rare, with about 3,300 new diagnoses in the UK each year, and unfortunately, it can be particularly aggressive, even in younger people. Current treatments, which might include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, aren't always enough, and there's a real need for new and better options. Desmoid tumours, though not cancerous, can also be challenging to treat if they're causing problems or can't be easily removed.
This study is looking at a promising new treatment called High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU). Imagine using a magnifying glass to focus sunlight onto a tiny spot – HIFU works in a similar way, using powerful sound waves to heat and destroy cancer cells deep inside the body, without needing to make any cuts. This non-invasive approach could mean fewer side effects, a lower risk of complications, and a faster recovery compared to traditional surgery. What's also exciting is that HIFU might not only destroy tumour cells but also help kick-start the body's own immune system to fight the cancer more effectively.
The main goal of this study is to understand how safe and practical HIFU is for treating soft tissue sarcoma and desmoid tumours here in the UK. We want to see how well patients tolerate the treatment, how effectively it destroys the tumours, and if it could improve their quality of life. The findings from this study will be really important in deciding if HIFU can become a more widely available treatment option in the future, potentially offering hope to patients when other treatments haven't been successful or aren't suitable.
Key takeaways
- Exploring High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) for soft tissue sarcoma and desmoid tumours.
- HIFU is a non-invasive treatment aiming for fewer side effects and quicker recovery.
- The study assesses HIFU's safety, feasibility, and effectiveness in treating these tumours.
- Participants will undergo HIFU as a day case and have follow-up appointments for monitoring.
- HIFU may also stimulate the body's immune system to fight cancer.
- This research aims to provide a new treatment option for patients in the UK.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for adults aged 18 or over who have been diagnosed with a specific type of soft tissue sarcoma or certain desmoid tumours. Your doctor will need to confirm the exact type of tumour you have. For soft tissue sarcoma, this could include tumours that are smaller (1-5cm) and can be removed by surgery, or larger tumours, or those that have come back in the same area after previous treatment, or those that cannot be treated with surgery or chemotherapy/radiotherapy. For desmoid tumours, it's for specific types that are 1-8cm in size, causing symptoms, and are not suitable for surgery or if you've decided not to have surgery.
It's important that your overall health is good enough to take part, meaning you need to have a life expectancy of over 12 months and be able to carry out your normal daily activities. You must also be able to travel to and from the hospitals in Oxford for your appointments, as this study is based in the UK.
You won't be able to join the study if you have been diagnosed with certain other types of bone cancer (like osteosarcoma), or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. There are also other medical conditions and treatments that might make you unsuitable for the study, which the medical team will discuss with you.
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?
- Have you been diagnosed with a soft tissue sarcoma or desmoid tumour?
- Are you able to travel to Oxford for appointments?
- Is your general health good enough for you to perform most daily activities?
- Have you been told your tumour is suitable for HIFU treatment?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, the HIFU treatment itself is designed to be a day case procedure, meaning you should be able to go home on the same day. Before the treatment, you'll have some tests, including having a small sample (biopsy) taken from your tumour and blood tests. These tests are to help the doctors understand your specific tumour and your general health. During the HIFU procedure, concentrated ultrasound waves will be used to treat your tumour.
After your treatment, you will have follow-up appointments, potentially over a year or more. These appointments will involve check-ups, further blood tests, and scans to monitor how you are recovering and how well the treatment worked. They will also look at how your quality of life is, for example, by asking you about any pain you might feel. There will also be further examinations to see if your immune system has responded to the treatment. The overall length of your involvement will vary, but will involve regular visits to the hospitals in Oxford for several months and potentially up to a year or more.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Churchill HospitalVerified postcodeOxford, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is HIFU?
HIFU stands for High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound. It's a way of treating tumours using very focused sound waves to destroy cancer cells without needing surgery or cuts.
What conditions is this study for?
This study is for people with certain types of soft tissue sarcoma or desmoid tumours. Your doctor can tell you if your specific condition is included.
Will I have to stay in hospital?
The HIFU treatment itself is planned as a day case, meaning you should be able to go home on the same day. However, you will need to attend hospital for initial assessments and follow-up appointments.
What are the potential benefits of HIFU?
HIFU is non-invasive, meaning it might lead to fewer side effects, quicker recovery, and could potentially boost your body's immune response against the tumour.
Can I leave the study at any time?
Yes, you are free to withdraw from the study at any point, and this will not affect the medical care you receive in the future.
How to find out more
Paul C Lyon, FRCR, DPhil
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
Community discussion
Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.