Comparing proton and photon radiation therapy for glioblastoma

Glioblastoma Radiotherapy Using IMRT or Proton Beams

NA · University Hospital Heidelberg · NCT04752280

This study is testing whether proton beam therapy is better than traditional photon beam therapy for treating glioblastoma by looking at side effects in patients during the first four months of treatment.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment326 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital Heidelberg (other)
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations3 sites (Heidelberg and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04752280 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of proton beam therapy compared to traditional photon beam therapy in patients with glioblastoma. It focuses on assessing the cumulative toxicity experienced by patients during the first four months of treatment. By utilizing proton beams, the study seeks to minimize damage to healthy brain tissue, potentially leading to reduced side effects. Patients will be randomly assigned to receive either photon or proton irradiation as part of their treatment regimen.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with histologically confirmed glioblastoma who are indicated for radiotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients who have previously received brain radiation or have contraindications to MRI imaging may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to a safer and more effective radiation therapy option for glioblastoma patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have suggested that proton therapy may reduce toxicity compared to photon therapy, indicating potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* histologically confirmed gliomblastoma WHO IV (operated or after biopsy)
* Indication for radiotherapy / radiochemotherapy
* Informed consent
* KI ≥ 60% or ECOG 0/1
* Age ≥ 18 years
* Sufficient effective contraception

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patient is not able to consent
* Previous radiotherapy in the brain or skull base
* Active medical implants for which there is no ion radiation authorization at the time of treatment (e.g., cardiac pacemaker, defibrillator, ...)
* Contraindication to MRI imaging
* Simultaneous participation in another clinical trial that could influence the outcome of this study or other study

Where this trial is running

Heidelberg and 2 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: Glioblastoma

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.