Comparing single-fraction SBRT to standard radiation for metastatic cancer treatment

A Phase 2 Randomized Study With a Non-randomized Cohort : Assessing Single-Fraction SBRT Versus Standard Palliative Radiation in Patients With Metastatic Disease (ASTEROID)

Phase 2 Interventional Roswell Park Cancer Institute · NCT04068649

This study is testing whether a single session of a special type of radiation therapy can help people with metastatic cancer feel less pain and live longer compared to the usual radiation treatment.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment1500 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorRoswell Park Cancer Institute Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations3 sites (Buffalo, New York and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04068649 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This phase II trial evaluates the effectiveness of single-fraction stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) compared to standard palliative radiation therapy in patients with metastatic cancer. The study focuses on assessing patient-reported pain response and quality of life, as well as overall survival rates between the two treatment approaches. Participants will be randomized into two groups: one receiving SBRT and the other receiving standard radiation therapy. The trial also explores various secondary objectives, including changes in immune markers, treatment-related toxicity, and cognitive function over time.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients with pathologically confirmed metastatic malignancies experiencing symptoms that may be alleviated by radiation therapy.

Not a fit: Patients with non-metastatic cancer or those whose symptoms are not related to a site of malignant disease may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more effective and less damaging treatment option for patients with metastatic cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with SBRT in treating metastatic cancer, indicating that this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Pathologically confirmed malignancy
* Clinical or pathologic evidence of metastatic disease
* A site of malignant disease causing symptoms, or for which symptoms are imminent, in which radiation may be used for relief or prophylaxis
* Participants of child-bearing potential must agree to use adequate contraceptive methods (e.g., hormonal or barrier method of birth control; abstinence) prior to study entry. Should a woman become pregnant or suspect she is pregnant while she or her partner is participating in this study, she should inform her treating physician immediately
* Participants with synchronous primary malignancies must have either: 1) documented control of their second malignancy or 2) have pathological confirmation of the metastatic lesion/disease site being targeted
* Participant must be willing and able to participate in protocol requirements, including pre- and post-treatment survey evaluations and clinical assessments
* Participant must understand the investigational nature of this study and sign an Independent Ethics Committee/Institutional Review Board approved written informed consent form prior to receiving any study related procedure

Exclusion Criteria:

* Prior radiation therapy targeting the same area for which radiation treatment is being planned (i.e., re-irradiation to a specific site of metastatic disease)
* Participants with known brain metastases
* Pregnant or nursing female participants
* Participants who are unable to accurately or reliably recount their pain medication regimens, including type, amount, or frequency of pain medication usage
* Participants who require or are being planned for surgical stabilization or metastasectomy of the planned radiation site
* Severe, active co-morbidity defined as follows:

  * Unstable angina and/or congestive heart failure requiring hospitalization within the last 3 months;
  * Transmural myocardial infarction within the last 3 months;
  * Acute bacterial or fungal infection requiring intravenous antibiotics at the time of registration;
  * Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation or other respiratory illness requiring hospitalization or precluding study therapy at the time of registration
* Unwilling or unable to follow protocol requirements
* Any condition which, in the investigator?s opinion, deems the patient unable to participate in enrollment
* Adults unable to consent
* Individuals who are not yet adults (infants, children, teenagers)
* Pregnant women
* Prisoners

Where this trial is running

Buffalo, New York 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.
Conditions Metastatic Malignant Neoplasm
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.