Palliative radiation therapy for patients with large or resistant tumors

Spatially Fractionated Radiation (SFR) Therapy as Palliative Radiation for Patients With Advanced and Symptomatic Tumors

Not applicable Interventional Sir Mortimer B. Davis - Jewish General Hospital · NCT02333110

This study is testing a new type of radiation therapy to see if it can help relieve symptoms for patients with large or hard-to-treat tumors.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorSir Mortimer B. Davis - Jewish General Hospital Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Montreal, Quebec)
Trial IDNCT02333110 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of spatially fractionated radiation therapy (SFR) as a palliative treatment for patients with symptomatic bulky tumors larger than 8 cm or tumors resistant to traditional radiation. The approach aims to deliver a single treatment using a grid technique, which may reduce the toxicity and logistical burden associated with conventional multi-fraction radiation therapy. Patients will be monitored for safety and efficacy in alleviating symptoms related to their tumors. The study is conducted at the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with confirmed malignancies and bulky tumors or tumors known to be resistant to radiation.

Not a fit: Patients with potentially curable tumors or those who have previously received palliative radiation with hypofractionation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide significant symptom relief for patients with large or radioresistant tumors while minimizing treatment-related side effects.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of spatially fractionated radiation is a novel approach, similar studies have shown promise in reducing treatment burden and improving patient outcomes.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patient with histologically or cytologically confirmed malignancy. All malignant histologies/cytologies are eligible.
* Patient with bulky tumor (larger than 8cm), or with a tumor known to be resistant to radiation (eg. Melanoma, hypernephroma, sarcoma), or with a tumor previously irradiated with a palliative intent requiring more than 1 fraction of radiation
* Patient planned to undergo palliative radiation therapy treatments to one of the following 5 sites: extremities, neck, chest, abdomen and pelvis
* WHO performance status of 0-2
* Aged 18 years or older
* Ability to sign and understand an informed consent form

Exclusion Criteria:

* Potentially curable patient
* Previous palliative radiation with hypofractionation
* Tumor located near the spinal cord or in the brain
* Pregnant or nursing woman

Where this trial is running

Montreal, Quebec

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 Patients With Symptomatic or Bulky Tumors or With Tumors Resistant to Radiation
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.