Image-guided treatment for vaginal cancer

EMBRAVE: IntErnational Observational Study on Primary Chemoradiotherapy and iMage-based Adaptive BRAchytherapy for Vaginal cancEr

Observational Erasmus Medical Center · NCT06514235

This study is testing if using image-guided treatment can improve the results and quality of life for patients with vaginal cancer receiving radiation therapy.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment300 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorErasmus Medical Center Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Rotterdam, South Holland)
Trial IDNCT06514235 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to enhance clinical outcomes for patients with vaginal cancer undergoing curative treatment with primary radio(chemo)therapy and image-guided adaptive brachytherapy (IGABT). It will develop evidence-based recommendations and identify prognostic factors related to oncological outcomes, morbidity, and quality of life. The study plans to enroll at least 300 patients and will evaluate oncological events at 2 and 5 years, along with assessing morbidity at multiple follow-up points.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals with histologically proven primary vaginal cancer or carcinoma in situ, specifically those with squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, or adenosquamous carcinoma.

Not a fit: Patients with non-epithelial vaginal cancers or those not meeting the inclusion criteria may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment protocols and better outcomes for patients with vaginal cancer.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is observational, similar studies in the field of brachytherapy have shown promising results in improving patient outcomes.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

o Histologically proven primary vaginal cancer, vaginal carcinoma in situ (VAIN) or vaginal recurrence, per WHO classification.

Histological proven stage I-IVA primary vaginal cancer: squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma or adenosquamous carcinoma of the vagina, other epithelial carcinoma's and carcinoma in situ

* Histological proven vaginal recurrence from any gynaecological cancer for whom curative treatment is envisioned that includes image guided adaptive brachytherapy according to the target concept.
* Para-aortic lymph node metastasis below L1-L2 interspace are allowed
* Macroscopic visible tumour present on MRI and/or gynaecological examination at diagnosis.
* Planned IGABT treatment with MRI-guided adaptive brachytherapy (at least the 1st fraction contouring and planning on MRI; CT for later fractions is allowed):

  * External beam radio(chemo)therapy followed by IGABT
  * IGABT alone for stage I \<2cm or carcinoma in situ
* Treatment with curative intent
* Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Primary vaginal cancers with involvement of the ostium of the cervix or vulva (these should be classified as cervical cancer or vulvar cancer, respectively)
* Metastatic disease beyond para-aortic region L1-L2 interspace
* Sarcomas and melanomas.
* Treatment only by external beam radiotherapy without brachytherapy to boost the primary disease
* Primary vaginal cancer: treatment by primary surgery or debulking surgery
* Vaginal recurrences: treatment by primary surgery or debulking surgery
* Treatment with neo-adjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery
* Treatment with radiotherapy followed by surgery
* Previous pelvic or abdominal radiotherapy
* Pregnancy

Where this trial is running

Rotterdam, South Holland

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 Vaginal Neoplasms
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.