Comparing two types of radiation therapy for spinal cancer

Prospective Registry Trail COMparing Stereotactic Body Radiotherpy (SBRT) to Conventional PAlliative RadioTherapy (CRT) in Patients With Spinal Metastases

Observational University Health Network, Toronto · NCT05589701

This study is testing whether a newer type of radiation therapy for spinal cancer works better than the traditional method to help patients manage their pain and improve their survival.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Health Network, Toronto Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Toronto, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT05589701 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to compare the effectiveness of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) versus conventional radiation therapy (CRT) in patients with spinal metastases. Researchers will gather data on radiation oncologists' decision-making processes through questionnaires and analyze real-world outcomes such as local progression, pain response, and overall survival rates. The goal is to develop an evidence-based algorithm to aid future medical decisions for patients with similar conditions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with painful spinal metastases who can receive radiation treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with prior overlapping radiotherapy or those with lymphoma, myeloma, or germ cell malignancies may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights that lead to improved treatment strategies for patients with spinal metastases.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored similar comparisons between SBRT and CRT, indicating potential for meaningful insights, though this specific approach is registry-based and may offer novel data.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults 18 years of age or older.
* Patients seen at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre with painful spinal metastases amenable to radiation treatment.
* Confirmation of diagnosis: a) Known/documented prior histological cancer diagnosis
* Able to provide written consent
* ECOG performance status 0-3

Exclusion Criteria:

* Prior radiotherapy, with fields overlapping, resulting in excessive doses to organs at risk
* Lymphoma, myeloma or germ cell malignancies

Where this trial is running

Toronto, Ontario

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 Spinal Metastases
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.