Active not recruitingPHASE2, PHASE3INTERVENTIONAL

PSMA-PET Guided Radiotherapy

This study is investigating if a special advanced scan, called PSMA-PET, can improve the treatment of prostate cancer. Currently, doctors use standard scans like CT and bone scans to see if the cancer has spread. PSMA-PET is more sensitive and can detect smaller areas of cancer spread that might be missed by regular scans. The idea is that if doctors have more detailed information from the PSMA-PET scan, they can plan radiotherapy more accurately. This could lead to better control of the cancer and better outcomes for patients. The study will compare patients whose radiotherapy is planned using PSMA-PET scans with those whose treatment is planned using only standard scans.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

PHASE2, PHASE3

Sponsor

Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM)

Enrolment target

130

Start

15 May 2018

Estimated completion

30 May 2027

Prostate Cancer

What is this study about?

This research is focused on improving how we treat prostate cancer using radiotherapy. Radiotherapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells, and it's essential that these treatments are targeted as precisely as possible. Before radiotherapy, doctors need to know exactly where the cancer is, and if it has spread beyond the prostate gland.

Currently, they use scans like CT scans and bone scans to check for cancer spread. However, there's a newer, more sensitive type of scan called PSMA-PET. This scan uses a special dye that highlights prostate cancer cells, making it easier to see if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, even very small areas that current scans might miss.

The study's main goal is to see if using the information from the PSMA-PET scan to plan radiotherapy leads to better results for patients. The researchers believe that by having a more complete picture of the cancer's spread, they can plan more effective treatment. This could lead to better control of the cancer and potentially improve how well patients do after treatment compared to planning based on standard scans alone.

Key takeaways

This study compares standard scans with a new PSMA-PET scan for planning prostate cancer radiotherapy.
PSMA-PET is more sensitive at finding cancer spread, potentially leading to better targeted treatment.
Participation involves being randomly assigned to one of two groups: PSMA-PET guided or standard scan guided radiotherapy planning.
The goal is to see if PSMA-PET guided treatment improves long-term cancer control for patients.
Your health and general well-being are important factors for eligibility.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and are planning to have radiotherapy with the aim of curing their cancer. You would also need to have been part of another research project called PERA and have agreed to be contacted for future studies.

Your general health needs to be good enough for this kind of treatment. This is often checked through a simple score called ECOG (0-1 means you're generally well and able to do most things) and by looking at other health conditions you might have (Charlson Comorbidity Index of 4 or less).

You might be suitable if your cancer has a high chance of spreading to other parts of your body. This includes if a few small areas of cancer have already been seen on standard scans (oligometastases), if you have a certain type of 'high-risk' prostate cancer that hasn't spread yet, or if your prostate cancer has returned after previous treatment. You would also need to have had standard scans (bone scan, CT scan of the pelvis) within the last 12 weeks. You can't have had hormone therapy within the last year or had a PET scan before.

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.

Have you been diagnosed with prostate cancer and are you planning to have radiotherapy to cure it?
Are you generally well and able to manage most daily activities?
Has your doctor said you have a high chance of your prostate cancer spreading, or has it already spread a little?
Have you had recent standard scans (bone scan, CT pelvis) in the last 12 weeks?
Have you *not* had hormone therapy in the last year or a PET scan before?
Are you 18 years old or older?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll be randomly put into one of two groups, like flipping a coin. One group will have their radiotherapy planned using the advanced PSMA-PET scan, and the other group will have their planning based on the usual standard scans (CT and bone scan). This 'random' assignment ensures the results are fair.

All participants will receive radiotherapy treatment for their prostate cancer as planned by their doctor, which will be informed by the scans they received in their group. You will have regular appointments for your treatment and follow-up care, which will be similar to what you would typically have, but your progress will be carefully monitored as part of the study. The total duration of your participation will include your treatment period and follow-up checks, which can last for several years to track your long-term health and cancer control.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer the benefit of potentially receiving a more precisely targeted radiotherapy treatment, which might lead to better cancer control. However, there are no guarantees, and it's also possible that there will be no extra benefit compared to standard care. There are potential risks associated with the PSMA-PET scan itself, such as a very small exposure to radiation, though this is carefully managed. Regardless of your initial decision to join, you are always free to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your standard care.

Locations (3)

CSSSL - Cité de la Santé Laval
Verified postcode
Laval, Canada
Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal
Verified postcode
Montreal, Canada
CHU de Québec
Verified postcode
Québec, Canada

Common questions

What is PSMA-PET?

It's a special, more sensitive scan that can find prostate cancer cells more accurately than standard scans, especially if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

What is radiotherapy?

Radiotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumours. It's often used for prostate cancer.

Will I definitely get the new PSMA-PET scan?

If you join the study, you'll be randomly assigned to either have your treatment planned with the PSMA-PET scan or with standard scans. It's like flipping a coin, so you might not get the PSMA-PET guided plan.

Can I still get my usual treatment if I don't join the study?

Yes, joining a study is always optional. Your regular care will continue regardless of whether you decide to participate in this research.

How long will I be in the study?

Participation involves your treatment period and then follow-up appointments, which can continue for several years to carefully track your health and how well the treatment worked long-term.