Breath-hold technique to improve radiation accuracy for abdominal cancers
Official title: Inhale and Exhale Breath Holds to Improve the Therapeutic Ratio in Upper Abdominal Cancers Treated With SBRT
Run by University Health Network, Toronto · NCT07594691 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether using inhale and exhale breath holds during SBRT can better target abdominal tumors while protecting nearby organs.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 15 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Health Network, Toronto Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 25, 2026 |
| Main results expected | May 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | January 30, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | May 29, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07594691 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults with abdominal cancers near luminal GI structures or prior radiation fields who require at least 3 fractions of RT and can perform inhale and exhale breath holds.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients unable to perform breath holds or without favorable breath-hold displacement of organs relative to the tumor may not see benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This prospective quality improvement study evaluates INEX RT R by delivering SBRT across different breath-hold phases in the same treatment course. Fifteen adults with abdominal cancers near critical organs will receive simulation and treatment imaging to compare dose delivery when alternating breath holds versus a single breath-hold plan. The goal is to increase the dose to the tumor by at least 10% without increasing dose to nearby organs at risk. The approach relies on respiratory-induced organ motion to selectively spare OARs while maintaining tumor control. This study does not have a traditional randomized design and focuses on feasibility and dosimetric benefits.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive higher tumor doses with potentially fewer side effects due to better sparing of nearby organs.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work in breath-hold and motion management has shown dosimetric improvements; this study extends those concepts to INEX RT with alternating breath-hold phases.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 18 * Any patient undergoing radiation therapy for a cancer lesion in the abdomen in close proximity to OARs that is hypothesized to have differential displacement on inhale and exhale breath hold CT scans of the OAR relative to the tumor. * Patients need at least 3 fractions of RT * Critical OARs are within 2 cm of luminal GI structures, chest wall, or previous radiation fields * Able to receive and understand verbal and written information regarding study and able to give written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to perform inhale or exhale breath holds during standard workflow CT simulation evaluation
Where it's running
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Princess Margaret Cancer Centre Toronto, Ontario
Toronto, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Laura Dawson, MD FRCPSC FASTRO FCAHS
- Email: Laura.Dawson@uhn.ca
- Phone: 416-946-4501
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.