Using imaging to improve proton therapy for chordomas and chondrosarcomas

Defining Optimal Imaging Strategies for Diagnosis, Treatment, and Treatment Evaluation of Chordomas and Chondrosarcomas of the Axial Skeleton

This study is testing if using advanced imaging techniques can help improve proton therapy for patients with aggressive bone tumors called chordomas and chondrosarcomas by better targeting the tumors and protecting healthy tissue.

Quick facts

• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 40 (estimated)
• Ages: 50 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Leiden University Medical Center (other)
• Locations: 2 sites (Delft, South Holland and 1 other locations)
• Trial ID: NCT04832620 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study focuses on patients with chordomas and chondrosarcomas located in the axial skeleton, which are aggressive bone tumors. It aims to optimize proton radiation therapy by utilizing advanced imaging techniques, such as MRI and PET-CT, to identify viable tumor components. The study will include patients who are histologically diagnosed with these tumors and are accepted for standard proton beam therapy. The goal is to enhance treatment outcomes by better targeting the tumor while minimizing damage to surrounding critical structures.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults diagnosed with primary or recurrent chordoma or chondrosarcoma in the axial skeleton who are eligible for proton beam therapy.

Not a fit: Patients with other diagnoses, those under 50 years of age, or those with lesions smaller than 1cm may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved treatment efficacy and reduced morbidity for patients with aggressive bone tumors.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using imaging to guide proton therapy, indicating that this approach is supported by prior research.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Histologically diagnosed with primary or recurrent chordoma or chondrosarcoma in the axial skeleton (clivus, spine and sacrum)
* Accepted for standard proton beam therapy

Exclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis other than chordoma or chondrosarcoma is made.
* Patient refuses (parts) of the standard treatment protocol.
* Patient refuses MRI due to claustrophobia.
* Patient not suitable for MRI due to the presence of MRI incompatible implants.
* Incapacitated patients.
* Patient doesn't allow coded data to be used for analysis.
* Patient is under 50 years of age.
* Lesion size less than 1cm.
* Patients with WHO 3 and higher.

Where this trial is running

Delft, South Holland and 1 other locations

• HollandPTC — Delft, South Holland, Netherlands (RECRUITING)
• LUMC — Leiden, South Holland, Netherlands (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Stijn Krol, MD PhD — LUMC/HollandPTC
• Study coordinator: Stijn Krol, dr. PhD

Conditions: Bone Neoplasm of Vertebral Column, Chordoma, Chondrosarcoma, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, PET-CT, Proton Therapy, MRI, Proton therapy