Using proton therapy to treat small cell lung cancer
RAD4649-19: Prospective Study of Intensity-Modulated Proton Therapy (IMPT) for Small Cell Lung Cancer
This study tests whether a new type of radiation therapy called proton therapy is safer and more effective for people with small cell lung cancer compared to standard treatments.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Emory University Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Atlanta, Georgia) |
| Trial ID | NCT04342429 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the safety and effectiveness of intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT) for patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC). It aims to identify the best imaging schedule and re-planning strategies for patients whose tumors change rapidly. Additionally, the study will compare the rates of cardiac toxicities, pneumonitis, and esophagitis in patients receiving IMPT versus those treated with traditional photon-based therapies.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 or older with pathologically confirmed small cell lung cancer who are recommended for thoracic radiotherapy using IMPT.
Not a fit: Patients with prior radiation therapy that overlaps significantly with the planned treatment area or those who are pregnant may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to safer and more effective treatment options for patients with small cell lung cancer.
How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing research into proton therapy for various cancers, this specific approach for small cell lung cancer is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Pathologically confirmed small cell lung cancer, limited or extensive stage. * Patients who are offered thoracic radiotherapy with intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT) techniques delivering 30-66 Gy in 15-33 fractions at 2 Gy per fraction, at the recommendation of the treating radiation oncologist. * Age 18 or greater Exclusion Criteria: * Prior radiation therapy which would provide significant dose overlap with the planned target volume(s) * Pregnancy
Where this trial is running
Atlanta, Georgia
- Winship Cancer Institute — Atlanta, Georgia, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kristin Higgins, MD — Emory University-Winship Cancer Institute
- Study coordinator: Kristin Higgins, MD
- Email: kristin.higgins@emory.edu
- Phone: 404-778-0603
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.