RecruitingPHASE3INTERVENTIONAL

Palliative Steroeotactic Body Radiotherapy vs Palliative Standard Radiotherapy in Patients With Advanced Head and Neck Cancer

This research is looking at better ways to treat advanced head and neck cancer. Doctors are comparing two types of radiation treatment: standard radiotherapy (SRT) and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). SBRT is a newer, more precise way to deliver radiation, using fewer, stronger doses targeted directly at the tumour, which means less radiation reaches healthy parts of your body. The goal is to find out if SBRT can control the cancer more effectively than SRT for people who aren't able to have treatment that aims to cure their cancer. This study hopes to improve how we manage advanced head and neck cancer, focusing on treatments that are both effective and have fewer side effects.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

PHASE3

Sponsor

Canadian Cancer Trials Group

Enrolment target

196

Start

07 Apr 2025

Estimated completion

01 Jun 2031

Advanced Head and Neck Cancer

What is this study about?

This study is about finding the best way to treat advanced head and neck cancer when a cure isn't possible. The main goal is to help control the cancer and improve how you feel. Doctors are comparing two types of radiation treatment. The first is 'standard radiotherapy' (SRT), which is the usual treatment most people receive. The second is 'stereotactic body radiotherapy' (SBRT), a more modern approach.

SBRT uses highly focused beams of radiation to target the cancer very precisely. This means the doctors can give higher doses of radiation in fewer treatment sessions, and less radiation reaches the healthy areas around the tumour. This could potentially lead to better cancer control and fewer side effects compared to standard radiation.

The study wants to know if this advanced SBRT treatment is more effective than standard treatment for people with head and neck cancer that is advanced. By participating, you would help doctors understand which treatment works best to manage the cancer, potentially improving care for many others in the future.

Key takeaways

Compares two radiation treatments for advanced head and neck cancer.
SBRT is a newer, more precise way to deliver radiation.
Aims to see if SBRT offers better cancer control.
Designed for people where a cure is not the primary treatment goal.
Participation involves being randomly assigned to one of the two treatments.
Could help improve future treatments for this type of cancer.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to have a specific type of head and neck cancer called squamous cell carcinoma, confirmed by a biopsy. This cancer must be considered advanced, and your doctor must feel that treatment aimed at curing the cancer isn't the best option for you. You also need to be 18 years old or older.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have a certain type of head and neck cancer called nasopharyngeal carcinoma, or if you've already had radiation to your head and neck (unless it was for skin cancer that won't interfere with this treatment). Also, if your tumour is in a location that might make SBRT treatment risky, such as too close to sensitive areas like your brain or eyes, or if it's very large, you might not be eligible. They'll also check if your cancer has spread to distant parts of your body.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Do I have squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck?
Has my doctor said that a cure-focused treatment isn't suitable for me?
Am I 18 years old or older?
Have I not had radiation to my head and neck previously (except for some skin cancers)?
Is my tumour location and size suitable for highly focused radiation?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will be assigned to receive either standard radiation treatment or the newer, more focused SBRT. The treatment will involve regular visits to the hospital for your radiation sessions. You will also have various assessments, like scans (CT or MRI) to check on your cancer and how well the treatment is working. Doctors and nurses will monitor you closely during and after your treatment to keep an eye on your progress and any side effects. The exact number of visits and the total length of time you'll be involved will depend on which treatment you receive and how your body responds. You'll be given a full schedule and explanation before you agree to participate.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer the benefit of receiving a potentially more effective and precise radiation treatment (SBRT), which could lead to better cancer control and possibly fewer side effects compared to standard care. However, like all medical treatments, there are potential risks, including side effects from radiation therapy. These will be fully explained to you by the study team. You always have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (8)

Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre
Verified postcode
Calgary, Canada· Recruiting
Cross Cancer Institute
Verified postcode
Edmonton, Canada· Recruiting
CancerCare Manitoba
Verified postcode
Winnipeg, Canada· Recruiting
Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
Verified postcode
Ottawa, Canada· Recruiting
Odette Cancer Centre
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada· Recruiting
University Health Network
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada· Recruiting
CHUM-Centre Hospitalier de l'Universite de Montreal
Verified postcode
Montreal, Canada· Recruiting
Hotel-Dieu de Quebec
Verified postcode
Québec, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The main goal is to find out if a newer, more precise radiation treatment (SBRT) is better than standard radiation for controlling advanced head and neck cancer.

What is the difference between SBRT and standard radiation?

SBRT delivers radiation more accurately to the tumour in fewer, stronger doses, potentially reducing harm to healthy tissues compared to standard radiation.

Who can participate in this study?

It's for adults (18+) with advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, who are not suitable for treatment aiming for a cure, and meet other specific health checks.

Will I know which treatment I'm getting?

Because this is a comparative study, you will be assigned to either the standard or the newer treatment, like flipping a coin. This ensures a fair comparison.

What if I change my mind about participating?

You can withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, and it will not affect the quality of your medical care.

How to find out more

Wendy Parulekar

wparulekar@ctg.queensu.ca 613-533-6430 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.