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Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

Using targeted radiation to treat heart rhythm problems

Official title: StereoTactic Ablative RadioTherapy of Cardiac Arrhythmias (START-CA): a Phase II Trial of Non-Invasive Treatment of Medically Refractory Patients

Run by University Health Network, Toronto · NCT04843683 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing whether a special type of targeted radiation can help people with tough heart rhythm problems that haven’t improved with regular treatments.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment60 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity Health Network, Toronto
Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsRadiation
Locations1 site (Toronto, Ontario)
StatusRecruiting
StartedDecember 14, 2021
Main results expectedDecember 2027
Study endsDecember 2027
Registry record updatedMarch 5, 2026
Trial IDNCT04843683 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include patients with arrhythmias who have not responded to standard medications or have undergone at least one invasive catheter ablation.

Probably not a fit

Patients who have previously received high-dose radiotherapy to the target area or have contraindications to radiotherapy 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 trial evaluates the safety and effectiveness of stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SBRT) for patients suffering from refractory cardiac arrhythmias who have not responded to standard treatments. Conducted at the University Health Network, it aims to monitor cardiac outcomes in these patients after receiving SBRT. The study is designed as a prospective, single-center phase II trial, focusing on a specific patient population with challenging heart rhythm issues.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a new treatment option for patients with refractory arrhythmias who have limited alternatives.

How similar studies have gone: While the use of SBRT in this context is relatively novel, similar approaches in other areas of oncology have shown promising results.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with heart rate and rhythm condition (arrhythmia) who have failed standard of care treatment with medication OR at least one prior invasive catheter ablation procedure.
* Patients deemed medically fit to receive stereotactic ablative radiotherapy as determined by their Radiation Oncologist.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients who have previously received high dose radiotherapy to the target area and cannot safely receive further treatment OR are unable to receive radiotherapy due to other contraindications.

Where it's running

  • Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network
    Toronto, Ontario, Canada     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.
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Cardiac Arrhythmia 29University Health Network, Toronto 216
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.