Proton radiotherapy for thymic tumors

PROTHYM - Phase II Non-randomized Study on Proton Radiotherapy Of Thymic Malignancies

Not applicable Interventional Swedish Lung Cancer Study Group · NCT04822077

This study is testing whether proton beam radiotherapy can help people with thymic tumors feel better and live longer after surgery or if their tumors can’t be removed.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorSwedish Lung Cancer Study Group Research network
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations3 sites (Umeå, Norrland and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04822077 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This multicenter, non-randomized phase II study evaluates the effectiveness of proton beam radiotherapy in patients with thymic epithelial tumors, including thymoma and thymic carcinoma, either post-surgery or inoperable with localized disease. The study aims to assess primary endpoints such as cardiac and pulmonary toxicity, as well as local control over five years. Secondary endpoints include progression-free survival, overall survival, quality of life, and relapse patterns. Patients who are not suitable for proton treatment will be monitored after receiving standard photon therapy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 with a diagnosis of thymoma or thymic carcinoma, particularly those with specific stages and histological types.

Not a fit: Patients with distant metastases, serious systemic disorders, or significant tumor motion may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment outcomes and reduced toxicity for patients with thymic malignancies.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise with proton therapy for various cancers, suggesting potential success for this approach in thymic malignancies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Histological or cytological diagnosis of thymoma or thymic carcinoma.
* With radical surgery: stage III and IVa and selected stage II with type B2, B3 and thymic carcinoma according to local routine. With non-radical surgery (R1 or R2) or inoperable patient/ patient refusing surgery: stage I - IVa, any histology
* PS WHO 0 - 2.
* FEV1 \> 1L or \>40 % of predicted and CO diffusion capacity \> 40% of predicted (postoperative measures)
* Age \>18 years, no upper age limit.
* Written informed consent from patients.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Masaoka-Koga stage IVb (distant metastases).
* Pregnancy.
* Serious concomitant systemic disorder incompatible with the study.
* Tumour motion \> 0.5 cm on two repeated 4DCT

Where this trial is running

Umeå, Norrland 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 CardiotoxicityPulmonary ToxicityThymus NeoplasmsThymomaThymic carcinomaProton radiotherapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.