Comparing surgery and radiation therapy for sacral chordoma treatment

Title of Study: SAcral Chordoma: a Randomized & Observational Study on Surgery Versus Definitive Radiation Therapy in Primary Localized Disease (SACRO)

Not applicable Interventional Italian Sarcoma Group · NCT02986516

This study is testing whether surgery or radiation therapy works better for treating sacral chordoma in patients who have this localized tumor.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorItalian Sarcoma Group Research network
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations28 sites (Graz and 27 other locations)
Trial IDNCT02986516 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study compares the effectiveness of surgical treatment versus definitive radiation therapy for patients with primary localized sacral chordoma. Eligible participants will be informed about both treatment options and can choose to be randomized into either the surgical group or the radiation therapy group. Those who prefer not to be randomized will be included in a prospective cohort study where they will receive their chosen treatment. The study aims to evaluate outcomes and side effects associated with both approaches in a multicenter international setting.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with a confirmed diagnosis of primary sacral chordoma who are eligible for either surgery or radiation therapy.

Not a fit: Patients with distant metastasis or those who have previously undergone treatment for sacral chordoma may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide clearer guidance on the most effective treatment for sacral chordoma, potentially improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have explored treatment options for chordoma, but this specific comparative approach is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Histologically confirmed diagnosis (brachyury expression) of primary sacral chordoma,of any diameter and arising at any site from S1 to coccyx.
* Age≥18years
* ECOG-performance status (PS) 0-2
* No previous antineoplastic therapy
* Macroscopic tumor detectable at MRI/CT scan
* Patient amenable for surgery
* Patient amenable for RT
* Written informed consent given before the enrolment, according to International Conference on Harmonisation/good clinical practice (ICH/GCP).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Distant metastasis
* Inability to maintain treatment position
* Prior radiotherapy to the pelvic region
* Prior therapy for sacral chordoma (including surgery, cryoablation, hyperthermia, etc)
* Local conditions that increase the risk of RT toxicity (tumor ulcerated skin infiltration, non-healing soft tissue infection, fistula in treatment field)
* Rectal wall infiltration
* General conditions that increase the risk of RT toxicity (active sclerodermia, xeroderma pigmentosum, cutaneous porphyria)
* Presence of a second active cancer (with the exception of non-melanoma skin cancer in-situ cervix neoplasia and other in-situ neoplasia)
* Severe comorbidities resulting in a prognosis of less than 6 months
* Inability to give informed consent
* Other malignancy within the last 5 years
* Performance status ≥ 2 (ECOG).
* Significant cardiovascular disease (for example, dyspnea \> 2 NYHA)
* Significant systemic diseases grade \>3 on the NCI-CTCAE v4.03 scale, that limit patient availability, or according to investigator judgment may contribute significantly to treatment toxicity
* Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding
* Psychological, familial, social or geographic circumstances that limit the patient's ability to comply with the protocol or informed consent

Where this trial is running

Graz and 27 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 Chordoma
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.