RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Registry Study of Proton Radiotherapy in Lymphoma

This study is gathering information on a type of cancer treatment called proton therapy for people with lymphoma in their chest area. Lymphoma often affects younger people, and while treatments are successful, they can sometimes cause health problems many years later. Proton therapy is a newer way to give radiation that might protect important organs like the heart, lungs, and breasts from damage, potentially reducing long-term side effects. Researchers want to see how effective this treatment is and what side effects people experience. The study will help doctors understand if proton therapy is a better option for these patients and will compare its results with those who don't receive proton therapy.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University Hospital Heidelberg

Enrolment target

200

Start

01 Aug 2018

Estimated completion

01 Aug 2031

Mediastinal Lymphoma

What is this study about?

This study is about a particular type of cancer treatment called 'proton therapy' for people who have lymphoma in an area of their chest called the mediastinum. Lymphoma is a type of cancer that often affects younger individuals. While treatments for lymphoma are very good, leading to high rates of recovery, doctors are increasingly concerned about the long-term health problems that can sometimes develop many years after treatment. In fact, over 40% of people might experience ongoing health issues 30 years after their cancer is successfully treated. This is why researchers are always looking for ways to make treatments less harmful in the long run.

One promising approach is using advanced radiation techniques, such as proton therapy. When radiation is needed in the chest area, proton therapy can deliver the treatment more precisely than traditional radiation (called photon radiation). This means less radiation reaches important organs nearby, like your heart, lungs, or breast tissue. The hope is that by protecting these organs, proton therapy will lead to fewer long-term side effects, especially problems with the heart and lungs, and reduce the risk of developing another cancer later in life.

This study will carefully record and follow people who receive proton therapy for mediastinal lymphoma. By collecting information on how effective the treatment is and what side effects occur, doctors can better understand who might benefit most from proton therapy. This information will help create better treatment guidelines in the future and could even be compared with information from similar patients who received traditional radiation to see which approach has better outcomes.

Key takeaways

This study collects information on proton therapy for lymphoma in the chest.
It aims to see if proton therapy reduces long-term side effects.
Proton therapy may protect organs like the heart, lungs, and breasts.
Mainly for patients aged 18 and over with mediastinal lymphoma.
Participation involves sharing medical data from your standard care.
You can withdraw from the study at any time, without affecting your treatment.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you would need to meet certain conditions. First, a doctor must have confirmed that you have lymphoma, and that it's in your chest area, requiring radiation treatment. You also need to be 18 years old or older. Importantly, your doctors must believe that proton therapy would be more helpful for you than standard radiation because it can better protect organs like your heart, lungs, or breasts.

Another key requirement is that you must be able to understand what the study involves and willingly agree to take part. You'll be asked to provide your consent, which means you agree for your medical information to be used for the study.

However, you wouldn't be able to join if you are under 18 years old, or if you decide not to give your permission for your information to be included in the study. You can also withdraw from the study at any time.

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 you have a confirmed diagnosis of lymphoma?
Is your lymphoma in the chest area, needing radiation?
Are you 18 years old or older?
Do your doctors think proton therapy would be better for you than standard radiation?
Are you able to provide your consent to take part?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study is a ‘registry study,’ which means it primarily involves collecting information about your treatment and health over time, rather than giving you a new or experimental treatment. If you are eligible and choose to take part, you would receive proton therapy for your lymphoma in the chest area, as recommended by your doctors. The study would then record details about this treatment, how well it works for you, and any side effects you might experience. This follow-up process would involve regular check-ups and assessments, similar to the care you would receive anyway as part of tracking your cancer recovery. The study also helps to compare how various treatment approaches work in the long run. The exact number of visits and the full duration of your follow-up would depend on your individual treatment plan and how long your doctors typically monitor patients after lymphoma treatment. There are no extra medications provided through the study itself.

Potential risks and benefits

The potential benefit of taking part in this study is contributing to valuable knowledge that could improve future treatments for people with lymphoma, especially younger patients. While proton therapy aims to reduce side effects compared to traditional radiation, like any medical treatment, there are still potential risks and side effects associated with radiation therapy that your doctor will discuss with you. Taking part in the study itself poses minimal additional risks as it mainly involves collecting information from your standard care. However, you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

University Hospital Heidelberg
Verified postcode
Heidelberg, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is lymphoma?

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts in infection-fighting cells of the immune system, called lymphocytes.

What is proton therapy?

Proton therapy is a type of radiation treatment that uses tiny particles called protons. It can deliver radiation more precisely to the cancer, potentially causing less damage to healthy tissues nearby.

What is the 'mediastinum'?

The mediastinum is the area in your chest between your lungs, where your heart, major blood vessels, and windpipe are located.

Will I get a different treatment if I join this study?

No, this study records your experience if you are already receiving proton therapy. It doesn't change your planned treatment.

Do I have to take part?

No, taking part is completely voluntary. Your decision will not affect your medical care.

How to find out more

Laila König, MD

laila.könig@med.uni-heidelberg.de +49 6221 Official trial record

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