Using stereotactic radiosurgery to treat malignant spasticity and hypertonia

Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) in Malignant Spasticity and Hypertonia: a Pilot Study

Not applicable Interventional IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria di Negrar · NCT06309810

This study is testing whether a special type of targeted radiation therapy can help people with severe spasticity who haven't found relief from regular treatments.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment10 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorIRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria di Negrar Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Negrar, Verona)
Trial IDNCT06309810 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of stereotactic radiotherapy in reducing symptomatic spasticity in patients with malignant spasticity. The study will enroll approximately 10 patients over a 24-month period, administering a single session of radiotherapy with a prescribed dose between 45 and 60 Gy. Patients will be monitored for one year post-treatment to assess improvements in posture and quality of life. The study focuses on patients who have not responded to conventional treatments for spasticity.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with severe spasticity or hypertonia that has not responded to previous treatments.

Not a fit: Patients under 18 years old or those who have previously received radiation in the same anatomical site may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve the quality of life for patients suffering from malignant spasticity.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is experimental, similar studies using stereotactic radiosurgery for other conditions have shown promising results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Malignant spasticity measured with the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS≥3) or highly impairing spasticity and hypertonia (Numeric Rating Scale \>8 scored by patient or care-giver)
* Age ≥ 18 years old
* Availability of a diagnostic MR scan of the spine segment of interest and electromyography of inferior limbs within 3 months prior to study entry
* Previous ineffective conventional treatment for spasticity or absence of others therapeutic strategies (i.e. negative baclofen pump test, comorbidity limiting the pump implant as spondylodiscitis or severe obesity)
* Plegic patients or minimally conscious state patient
* Signed informed consent (in case of minimally conscious state patients, consent form will be signed by her / his legal representative)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Age \< 18 years old
* Previous radiation in the same anatomical site

Where this trial is running

Negrar, Verona

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 Spasticity/Paresis
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.