Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Low-Dose CT - Stage I Testicular Cancer

If you've been diagnosed with early-stage testicular cancer and are on a "watch-and-wait" program, this study might be for you. Usually, this means having regular CT scans to make sure the cancer hasn't come back. However, these standard CT scans expose you to a fair amount of radiation over time, which could slightly increase your risk of getting another type of cancer in the future. This research is investigating whether using 'low-dose CT scans' can spot any returning cancer just as effectively as the usual scans. The main aim is to significantly cut down the amount of radiation you receive during your follow-up, without compromising how well doctors can monitor your health. It's about finding a safer way to keep an eye on things.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Health Network, Toronto

Enrolment target

251

Start

16 Sep 2005

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2028

Testicular Cancer

What is this study about?

When men are diagnosed with early-stage testicular cancer that hasn't spread, sometimes they choose to go on a "watch-and-wait" plan instead of having immediate further treatment. This means their doctors keep a very close eye on them with regular check-ups, which include CT scans.

These CT scans are very good at showing if the cancer has started to grow again. However, having many CT scans over several years means you get exposed to a notable amount of X-ray radiation. While necessary, scientists are always looking for ways to reduce this exposure because, very rarely, a lot of radiation can slightly increase the risk of developing another type of cancer later in life.

This study wants to find out if special "low-dose CT scans" can be just as effective as the standard CT scans at finding any returning cancer. If they are, it means men can still be monitored very closely, but with much less radiation exposure overall. This could lead to a safer and more reassuring way for doctors to follow up with men after their testicular cancer treatment.

Key takeaways

Tests a new way to monitor early-stage testicular cancer.
Aims to reduce radiation exposure from CT scans.
Compares low-dose CT scans to standard CT scans.
Could make long-term follow-up safer for patients.
Only for men on an active 'watch-and-wait' program.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for men aged 18 to 100 who have recently been diagnosed with early-stage testicular cancer. You must be on a "watch-and-wait" program, specifically in your first year if you have non-seminoma type cancer, or your first or second year if you have seminoma type cancer. Your overall health should be generally good, meaning you can carry out most daily activities without problems.

There's a two-part eligibility check. For the first part, your cancer must be confined to the testicle with no signs of spread, and you'll be on the specific watch-and-wait plan. If you meet these, you'll have an initial low-dose CT scan. For the second part, a study doctor will check this first low-dose scan to make sure it's clear enough to continue monitoring you with this type of scan.

You would not be able to join the study if you have any other serious medical conditions that would make it unsafe for you to have the study's procedures or follow the plan.

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 a man aged 18 to 100?
Do you have early-stage testicular cancer that was confined to the testicle?
Are you currently on a 'watch-and-wait' plan for your cancer?
Is your cancer type non-seminoma and you're in your first year of 'watch-and-wait', OR is it seminoma and you're in your first or second year?
Are you generally in good health and able to go about your daily activities?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, your regular follow-up for testicular cancer will switch to using low-dose CT scans instead of standard ones. You'll continue to have these scans periodically as part of your watch-and-wait plan, usually for up to ten years, to check for any signs of the cancer returning. Apart from the change in the type of CT scan, your other follow-up appointments and assessments would likely remain the same as your current watch-and-wait schedule. There are no new medications involved in this study.

Potential risks and benefits

One potential benefit of taking part is that you would receive significantly less radiation from your follow-up CT scans compared to standard scans, which might slightly reduce your very long-term risk of developing another cancer. You would also be contributing to important research that could improve care for other men with testicular cancer. The main potential risk is that, very rarely, a low-dose scan might miss something that a standard scan would pick up, although the study aims to show they are equally effective. You are always free to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

University Health Network, Princess Margaret Hospital
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada

Common questions

What is a CT scan?

A CT scan uses special X-ray equipment to take detailed pictures inside your body, helping doctors see if anything has changed.

Why is radiation a concern?

While CT scans are very helpful, having many over time exposes you to X-ray radiation. Reducing this exposure is generally better for your health in the long run.

Will my doctors still be able to find any cancer if it comes back?

This study aims to prove that low-dose CT scans are just as good at detecting cancer recurrence as the standard scans, allowing doctors to monitor you effectively.

How long will I be in the study?

You would be part of the study for as long as you are on your watch-and-wait surveillance plan, which can be up to ten years.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you can leave the study at any point without it affecting your medical care or relationship with your doctors.