RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

StereoTactic Ablative RadioTherapy of Cardiac Arrhythmias

This research trial, called STEREO-TAR, explores a new treatment for irregular heartbeats, known as cardiac arrhythmias. If you have an arrhythmia that hasn't improved with standard medicines or a procedure called a catheter ablation, this study might be for you. It uses a very precise type of radiation therapy, called Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SBRT), to target the area of the heart causing the problem. Doctors will closely watch how patients' hearts respond to this treatment to make sure it's both safe and effective. This study is taking place at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and Toronto General Hospital.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Health Network, Toronto

Enrolment target

Start

14 Dec 2021

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2027

Cardiac Arrhythmia

What is this study about?

This study, called STEREO-TAR, is looking into a new way to treat heart rhythm problems, which doctors call cardiac arrhythmias. These problems occur when your heart beats too fast, too slow, or unevenly. For some people, standard treatments like medication or a procedure called a catheter ablation don't fully work.

This trial is investigating a treatment called Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy, or SBRT. It's a very focused type of radiation therapy, similar to what's used for some cancers, but here it's being used to treat the specific area of the heart that's causing the irregular rhythm. The main goal of the study is to carefully watch how people's hearts respond to this treatment to see if it's safe and effective.

The doctors running this study want to understand if SBRT can be a helpful option for adults whose irregular heartbeats haven't been controlled by other treatments. They will be closely monitoring patients over time to assess the impact of the treatment on their heart health.

Key takeaways

Tests a new radiation treatment (SBRT) for irregular heartbeats.
For adults whose arrhythmias haven't responded to other treatments.
Aims to check if SBRT is safe and effective.
Requires medical approval that you are fit for radiation therapy.
Taking place at specific hospitals in the University Health Network.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you must be an adult aged 18 or older.

One key thing is that you need to have an irregular heartbeat condition (arrhythmia) that hasn't gotten better with regular medicines or after having at least one previous procedure to correct your heart rhythm. Also, a specialist doctor (a Radiation Oncologist) needs to confirm that you are healthy enough to safely receive this type of radiation treatment.

Things that would mean you can't join the study include having already had high-dose radiation treatment to the same area of your heart, or if there are other health reasons that make radiation treatment unsafe for you.

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 18 years old or older?
Do you have an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)?
Have your medicines or previous procedures not controlled your arrhythmia?
Has a radiation doctor confirmed you are healthy enough for radiation treatment?
Have you not had previous high-dose radiation to the same area of your heart?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study will involve receiving the Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SBRT) treatment. Before and after the treatment, you will have regular check-ups and tests to see how your heart is responding and to monitor your general health. These will include heart scans and blood tests, among others. The medical team will explain all the appointments and tests involved. The total length of your participation will depend on the monitoring schedule set by the doctors.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of taking part could include gaining access to a new treatment that might help control your irregular heartbeat if other treatments haven't worked. However, as with any medical treatment, there are potential risks and possible side effects related to radiation therapy, which your doctors will discuss with you in detail. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an arrhythmia?

An arrhythmia is when your heart beats with an irregular rhythm – it might be too fast, too slow, or simply uneven.

What is SBRT?

SBRT stands for Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy. It's a special way of giving very focused radiation to a precise area, in this case, to help correct heart rhythm problems.

Will I have to pay to be in the study?

Taking part in the study and receiving the treatment will not cost you anything.

How long will I be in the study for?

The study involves ongoing monitoring after your treatment, and the medical team will tell you the expected duration of your involvement.

What if my current treatments are working for my arrhythmia?

This study is for people whose current treatments (like medicines or previous procedures) haven't successfully controlled their irregular heartbeats.

How to find out more

Benjamin Lok, MD

benjamin.lok@rmp.uhn.ca 416-946-2919 Official trial record

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