Comparing proton and photon radiation for treating retroperitoneal sarcomas

Phase I/II Trial of Pre-Operative Image Guided Intensity Modulated Proton Radiation Therapy (IMPT) or Photon (IMRT) With Simultaneously Integrated Boost to the High Risk Margin for Retroperitoneal Sarcomas

PHASE1; PHASE2 · Massachusetts General Hospital · NCT01659203

This study is testing whether proton beam radiation is safer and more effective than regular radiation for treating patients with retroperitoneal sarcomas before their surgery.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE1; PHASE2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMassachusetts General Hospital (other)
Drugs / interventionsChemotherapy, radiation
Locations10 sites (Chicago, Illinois and 9 other locations)
Trial IDNCT01659203 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the safety and appropriate dosing of proton beam radiation therapy and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for patients with retroperitoneal sarcomas. Participants will receive radiation therapy daily for about six weeks before undergoing surgery to remove their tumors. The study aims to minimize damage to normal tissue while effectively targeting the tumors. Additionally, blood samples may be collected for further genomic analysis.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals with histologically proven primary soft tissue sarcoma of the retroperitoneum and a life expectancy of over two years.

Not a fit: Patients with prior radiation therapy for retroperitoneal sarcoma or those with multifocal disease or metastases may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to safer and more effective radiation treatment options for patients with retroperitoneal sarcomas.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise with proton therapy in various cancers, suggesting potential for success in this novel application for retroperitoneal sarcomas.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Histologically proven primary soft tissue sarcoma of the retroperitoneum
* Measurable disease
* Life expectancy of greater than 2 years

Exclusion Criteria:

* Prior radiation therapy for retroperitoneal sarcoma
* Pregnant or breastfeeding
* Chemotherapy within 4 weeks prior to entering study
* Receiving other investigational agents
* Other types of sarcomas
* Multifocal disease, lymph node or distant metastases
* History of sensitivity to radiation therapy
* Uncontrolled intercurrent illness
* History of a different invasive malignancy within the past 3 years
* HIV positive on combination anti-retroviral therapy

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois and 9 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Retroperitoneal Sarcoma, extraskeletal chondrosarcoma

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.