Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up Men only

Radiotherapy treatment options for men with localized prostate cancer

Official title: The HERMES Trial Hypofractionated Expedited Radiotherapy for Men With localisEd proState Cancer. A Phase II Randomised Trial of Ultrahypofractionated Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy in Men With Localised Prostate Cancer

Run by Institute of Cancer Research, United Kingdom · NCT04595019 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing whether a new way of giving radiation therapy in fewer sessions can safely help men with localized prostate cancer feel better.

More Prostate Cancer trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexMen only
Enrollment46 (estimated)
SponsorInstitute of Cancer Research, United Kingdom
Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Sutton, Surrey)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJuly 29, 2021
Main results expectedApril 30, 2028
Study endsApril 30, 2028
Registry record updatedJune 13, 2022
Trial IDNCT04595019 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include men aged 18 and older with histologically confirmed prostate adenocarcinoma requiring radical radiotherapy and specific Gleason scores.

Probably not a fit

Patients with contraindications to MRI or those with advanced prostate cancer beyond the specified MRI stage may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This research investigates the effectiveness of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for men with localized prostate cancer, comparing two treatment regimens: five treatments over ten days versus two larger treatments over eight days. The study utilizes a state-of-the-art MR-linac machine, which combines MRI imaging with radiotherapy delivery, to ensure precise targeting of the prostate. The aim is to assess the feasibility and safety of the two-fraction approach, building on previous findings that suggest it may be a viable option for patients with low-risk prostate cancer.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more efficient and effective radiotherapy regimen for men with localized prostate cancer, potentially reducing treatment time and improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown success with similar approaches, particularly in the use of two-fraction internal radiotherapy for low-risk prostate cancer.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Men aged ≥18 years
2. Histological confirmation of prostate adenocarcinoma requiring radical radiotherapy
3. Gleason score 3+4 or 4+3 (Grade groups 2 or 3)
4. MRI stage T3a or less
5. PSA \<25 ng/ml prior to starting ADT (Androgen deprivation therapy)
6. Patients will be concurrently treated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for at least 6 months, as per standard of care. Men who need longer courses of ADT (maximum 12 months) will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and bicalutamide monotherapy is accepted as an alternative to LHRH (luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone) analogues if required.
7. WHO (World Health Organisation) Performance status 0-2
8. Ability of the participant understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent form.
9. Ability/willingness to comply with the patient reported outcome questionnaires schedule throughout the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Contraindications to MRI (e.g. pacemaker, potentially mobile metal implant, claustrophobia)
2. International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) 13 or higher
3. Post-void residual \>100 mls
4. Prostate volume \>80cc
5. Comorbidities which predispose to significant toxicity (e.g. inflammatory bowel disease) or preclude long term follow up
6. Unilateral or bilateral total hip replacement, or other pelvic metalwork which causes artefact on diffusion-weighted imaging
7. Previous pelvic radiotherapy
8. Patients needing 2-3 years of ADT due to disease parameters.
9. Previous invasive malignancy within the last 2 years excluding basal or squamous cell carcinomas of the skin, low risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (assuming cystoscopic follow up now negative) or small renal masses on surveillance.

Where it's running

  • The Royal Marsden Nhs Foundation Trust
    Sutton, Surrey, United Kingdom
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.