RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Predicting Radiotherapy Response and Toxicities in Soft Tissue Sarcoma of the Extremities - Cohort B

This study is for people with soft tissue sarcoma in their arms or legs who are having radiotherapy. The main goal is to understand the frequency and severity of side effects from radiotherapy. It also checks if changes seen on MRI scans can predict how well the treatment is working. Researchers are looking for clues in the body (biomarkers) that could help decide who benefits most from radiotherapy, or if other treatments like immunotherapy might be useful for some. Taking part might help us learn more about tailoring cancer treatments for the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

150

Start

16 Apr 2021

Estimated completion

30 Jul 2026

Soft Tissue Sarcoma of the Extremities

What is this study about?

This study focuses on a type of cancer called **soft tissue sarcoma** that affects the arms or legs. Many people with this cancer have radiotherapy, which uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. The main aim of this study is to closely observe and record the side effects that patients experience from this treatment, and how strong those side effects are. This will help doctors better understand the impact of radiotherapy on daily life.

The study also has two extra parts, which are optional. One part uses special MRI scans to see if changes in the tumour during treatment can predict how well the radiotherapy is working. The other part looks at different substances in the body (called biomarkers) to understand why some people respond better to radiotherapy than others. This could help doctors choose the best treatment for each person in the future. They also want to see if radiotherapy affects the area around the tumour in a way that might make other treatments, like immunotherapy, more effective for some patients.

By gathering all this information, researchers hope to improve how radiotherapy is planned and given for soft tissue sarcoma. This could lead to more effective treatments with fewer side effects in the future, ultimately benefiting patients with this condition.

Key takeaways

This study helps understand radiotherapy side effects for soft tissue sarcoma.
It aims to find better ways to predict how well radiotherapy will work.
Researchers are exploring if other treatments, like immunotherapy, could help some patients.
You will receive your standard radiotherapy treatment; nothing changes.
Participation is voluntary and won't affect your care if you withdraw.

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to take part if you have soft tissue sarcoma in your arms or legs and are aged 16 or over. You'll be considered whether you're having radiotherapy before surgery, after surgery, or to help manage symptoms (palliative care). Your general health should be good enough for radiotherapy, and you should be able to attend follow-up appointments for two years.

It's important that you haven't had radiotherapy to the same part of your body before. You also cannot be pregnant. If you have another ongoing or past cancer, the doctors will need to check if it would affect the results of this study.

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 you have soft tissue sarcoma in an arm or leg?
Are you having radiotherapy for your sarcoma (before surgery, after surgery, or for symptom control)?
Are you aged 16 or over?
Are you generally well enough for radiotherapy treatment?
Have you not had radiotherapy to the affected area before?
Are you not currently pregnant?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to join this study, you will receive your radiotherapy treatment as usual, according to your local hospital's plan. There will be no changes to your standard care. The study will collect information about your radiotherapy, your health, and any side effects you experience. You'll be asked to complete a questionnaire about your quality of life after treatment. You'll also have follow-up appointments at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after your radiotherapy finishes. If you choose to take part in the optional sub-studies, there might be additional MRI scans or blood tests, but this will be discussed with you fully.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study means you'll be helping doctors learn more about soft tissue sarcoma and radiotherapy, which could benefit future patients. You will receive standard cancer care, and there are no extra medical procedures that carry new risks directly from the study itself. Any risks would be those associated with your standard radiotherapy treatment, which your medical team will discuss with you. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (3)

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

Addenbrooke's Hospital
Verified postcode
Cambridge, United Kingdom· Recruiting
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting
University College London
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is soft tissue sarcoma?

It's a rare type of cancer that can develop in the soft tissues of the body, like muscle, fat, blood vessels, or nerves. This study focuses on those found in the arms and legs.

What is radiotherapy?

Radiotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells, often used before or after surgery, or to help manage symptoms.

Will my treatment change if I join the study?

No, you will receive your standard radiotherapy treatment as planned by your doctors. The study only collects information about your treatment and how you respond.

What are 'side effects' or 'toxicities'?

These are the unwanted effects or reactions that can happen during or after cancer treatment. The study wants to understand how often and how severe these are for radiotherapy.

What does 'optional sub-studies' mean?

This means there are extra parts of the study, like certain MRI scans or blood tests, that you can choose whether or not to participate in. Your main involvement in the study won't change if you decline these.

How to find out more

Thuy-Giang Nguyen

thuy-giang.nguyen@rmh.nhs.uk 02078118090 Official trial record

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