Using PET scans to guide radiotherapy for small cell lung cancer
Prospective PET-guided Radiotherapy for Patients With Small Cell Lung Cancer.
This study is testing if giving a higher dose of radiotherapy to small cell lung cancer patients with active tumors on PET scans after chemotherapy can help reduce the chances of their cancer coming back.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Essen Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Essen) |
| Trial ID | NCT06247163 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of a higher dose of radiotherapy for patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) who show metabolically active tumors on PET scans after initial chemotherapy. It aims to determine if these patients can achieve lower local recurrence rates with a PET-guided radiotherapy boost. The study follows the S3 guidelines set by the German Cancer Society and involves a prospective risk-adapted evaluation of treatment doses. Patients will be allocated to receive a boost in radiotherapy if their PET scans and biopsies confirm the presence of vital tumor remnants.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer who have confirmed histopathology and show metabolically active tumors on PET scans after chemotherapy.
Not a fit: Patients with extensive disease, other types of cancer, or those with poor performance status (ECOG 3 or worse) may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved local control of small cell lung cancer and better patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is based on established guidelines, the specific use of PET-guided radiotherapy boosts in SCLC is still being evaluated and may represent a novel application.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Histopathologic confirmation * Limited disease Exclusion Criteria: * Other histology than small cell lung cancer * Further tumor diagnosis * ECOG 3 or worse * Extensive disease * stage IV
Where this trial is running
Essen
- University Hospital Essen — Essen, Germany (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Maja Guberina
- Email: maja.guberina@uk-essen.de
- Phone: 020172383121
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.