RecruitingNot SpecifiedInterventional

Study of whether radiotherapy after surgery to treat a weakened or broken bone caused by cancer helps to reduce pain and improve quality of life

This study investigates if radiation therapy after surgery for cancer-related broken bones (known as bone metastases) genuinely helps reduce pain and improve a person's quality of life. Many people with advanced cancer develop weak bones that can break, needing surgery. While radiation is often given afterwards, it's unclear how much it helps, and it can cause side effects. This research aims to compare two groups: one receiving radiation within 10 weeks of surgery, and one not. By following participants for up to 18 months, the study hopes to find out if this treatment is truly beneficial or if it can be avoided, potentially improving care for future patients while reducing unnecessary burden.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Not Specified

Sponsor

Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

350

Start

01 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

30 Nov 2027

Bone metastases

What is this study about?

Many people living with advanced cancer, such as breast or prostate cancer, can experience problems with their bones. Sometimes, these bones become very weak and can break easily, even from a minor knock. These are called 'pathological fractures' and often require surgery to fix the damaged bone. After this surgery, it’s common for patients to have radiation treatment, which uses targeted X-rays to help with pain and healing. However, we don't have enough clear evidence to show if this radiation treatment always works as well as we hope.

Giving radiation can have drawbacks. It might cause side effects, delay other important cancer treatments, and use up valuable NHS resources. This study, called PORTRAIT (Post-Operative RadioTheRApy In surgically Treated bone metastases), aims to find out if having radiation treatment right after surgery truly helps reduce pain and improve how well people feel and live their lives. The goal is to see if it makes a big enough difference to outweigh the potential downsides.

By taking part in this study, you would help doctors understand if this radiation treatment is really necessary for everyone after surgery for these types of bone breaks. This could lead to better and more personalised care for future patients, ensuring they receive treatments that are truly beneficial without unnecessary steps.

Key takeaways

Tests if radiation after surgery for cancer-related broken bones is truly beneficial.
Compares immediate radiation with watchful waiting.
Aims to improve pain and quality of life for future patients.
Involves regular check-ups and questionnaires for up to 18 months.
For adults with cancer-related broken bones in arms/legs, not spine.
Funded by the UK's National Institute for Health and Care Research.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults (over 18 years old) who need surgery because cancer has caused a bone in their arms or legs to break, or is very close to breaking. This means your surgery is for 'metastatic bone disease,' which is when cancer has spread to the bones.

You would not be able to join if your surgery is on your spine, or if it's to fix a previous surgery on a broken bone. The study also isn't for those with certain types of very rare bone cancers (sarcomas or lymphomas). If doctors expect you to live less than 4 months, if you've already had radiation on that specific bone, or if you're pregnant, you also wouldn't be able to take part.

Crucially, you must be able to understand the study and agree to participate by giving your informed consent. This means being able to make an informed decision after having all your questions answered.

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.

Are you over 18 years old?
Did you have surgery for a broken bone in your arm or leg caused by cancer?
Is your surgery NOT on your spine?
Have you NOT had radiation on that specific bone before?
Are you able to understand the study and agree to take part?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join the study, you'll be randomly placed into one of two groups, like flipping a coin. One group will receive radiation treatment within 10 weeks after your bone surgery. The other group will not get radiation straight away; instead, doctors will carefully watch how you're doing. If your pain or other symptoms get worse, you might be offered radiation later.

Everyone in the study will be followed for up to 18 months. This involves regular check-ups and filling out questionnaires. These will ask about your pain, how you're feeling generally, and your quality of life. The aim is to understand how well each group is doing over time. You might also be offered small incentives to help you stay involved and complete the questionnaires.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer some benefits, as it helps researchers learn if radiation after surgery is truly helpful for people with cancer-related bone breaks. This knowledge could improve care for many future patients. However, there are potential risks, especially for those who receive radiation, as it can cause side effects like tiredness or skin changes. Participating also requires time and effort for follow-up appointments and completing questionnaires. You always have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (21)

Royal Orthopaedic Hospital
Approximate
Birmingham, United Kingdom
James Cook University Hospital Laboratory
City only
Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
Freeman Road Hospital
City only
Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Leicester Royal Infirmary
Approximate
Leicester, United Kingdom
Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Approximate
Birmingham, United Kingdom
Musgrove Park Hospital
Unverified
Taunton, United Kingdom
Countess of Chester Hospital
Unverified
Chester, United Kingdom
Glasgow Royal Infirmary
Unverified
Glasgow, United Kingdom
Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
Unverified
Glasgow, United Kingdom
Belfast City Hospital
Unverified
Belfast, United Kingdom
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
Unverified
Nottingham, United Kingdom
Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh at Little France
Unverified
Lothian, United Kingdom

Common questions

What kind of cancer-related broken bones is this study for?

This study is for broken bones in the arms or legs caused by cancer that has spread to the bones (metastatic bone disease).

Will I definitely get radiation treatment?

No, you will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group gets radiation within 10 weeks, the other doesn't immediately but could later if needed.

How long will I be in the study?

You will be followed up for up to 18 months, which is about a year and a half.

What happens if my symptoms get worse in the group that doesn't get immediate radiation?

If your symptoms worsen, you may then be offered radiation treatment later on, even in that group.

Who is paying for this research?

The study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in the UK.

How to find out more

Lydia Flett

ytu-portrait@york.ac.uk +44 (0)800 915 4992 Official trial record

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