Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) Post Prostatectomy

This study is investigating a new type of radiotherapy called Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) for men who have had their prostate removed due to cancer. After prostate surgery, some men need further radiotherapy if their cancer markers (PSA levels) start to rise. Traditional radiotherapy can involve many appointments, which can be difficult for patients and healthcare services. SBRT is a powerful, very focused type of radiation that could mean fewer treatment sessions. This study aims to check how safe SBRT is (looking at any side effects) and how well it works in treating prostate cancer after surgery. If successful, it could offer a more convenient and efficient treatment option for men in the UK needing further care.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Enrolment target

Start

03 Jun 2021

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2034

Prostate Cancer

What is this study about?

When men are diagnosed with prostate cancer that hasn't spread, a common treatment is prostate removal surgery. However, for some men, a blood test marker called PSA might start to rise again after surgery. This can suggest that a few cancer cells may still be present, and doctors might recommend further treatment, often radiotherapy. Standard radiotherapy can involve many visits to the hospital over several weeks.

This study is looking at a different, highly advanced type of radiotherapy called Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT). Think of SBRT as a very precise way of delivering strong beams of radiation directly to where they're needed, while being very careful to avoid healthy tissues nearby. Because it's so precise and powerful, SBRT typically requires fewer treatment sessions than traditional radiotherapy. This could be much more convenient for patients and could also help hospitals manage their workload more efficiently.

The main goal of this research is to carefully check if SBRT is a safe and effective option for men who need radiotherapy after their prostatectomy. We want to understand what side effects, if any, men might experience, and see if it works as well as or better than existing treatments in controlling the cancer. If it proves to be a good option, it could improve the experience for many men needing this important follow-up treatment.

Key takeaways

Investigates a new, precise type of radiotherapy (SBRT).
For men who have had a prostatectomy for cancer and whose PSA is rising.
Aims to reduce the number of radiotherapy sessions.
Will assess how safe and effective SBRT is.
Could offer a more convenient treatment option in the future.

Who may be eligible?

This study is for men who have had their prostate removed because of prostate cancer. After your surgery, your doctors must have found that your PSA levels (a blood test marker for prostate cancer) have started to rise slightly. This might mean your PSA levels went up at least twice in a row, or three times, and one of those levels was above 0.1.

You can't join if scans (like CT or MRI) show that your cancer has spread beyond the prostate area, such as to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of your body. Also, if you've already had radiotherapy to your pelvis before, or if you have certain health conditions that make radiotherapy unsafe (like some severe bowel or connective tissue diseases), this study wouldn't be right for you. You also need to be willing to fill out some health questionnaires.

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 I had surgery to remove my prostate for cancer?
Has my PSA blood test started to rise since my surgery?
Have scans shown my cancer hasn't spread outside the prostate area?
Have I not had previous radiotherapy to my pelvis?
Am I willing to fill out health questionnaires?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll receive the SBRT treatment. Throughout the study, you’ll be asked to complete questionnaires about your quality of life and any symptoms you might have. These questionnaires are important for helping us understand how you're feeling and how the treatment is affecting you. The study will track your progress over time, likely involving follow-up appointments to monitor your PSA levels and overall health. The specific number of visits and the full duration of your participation will be explained in detail by the study team, but typically, studies like this involve regular check-ups for several years after treatment.

Potential risks and benefits

The potential benefits of taking part could include receiving a prostate cancer treatment that might involve fewer hospital visits, which could be more convenient for you. You would also be contributing to medical knowledge that could help future patients. As with any medical treatment, there are potential risks, including side effects from the SBRT, which the study will carefully monitor. These side effects would be similar to those associated with other forms of radiation therapy to the pelvis. You will be fully informed of all known and potential risks before you decide to participate. Remember, you can choose to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada

Common questions

What is SBRT?

SBRT stands for Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy. It's a very precise and powerful way of delivering radiation to a specific area, often requiring fewer treatment sessions.

Why is my PSA rising after surgery?

After prostate removal, a rising PSA can sometimes mean that a few prostate cancer cells might still be present, and further treatment like radiotherapy may be considered.

Will I still get my usual care if I don't join?

Absolutely. Your decision to participate or not will not affect the quality of your regular medical care in any way.

How long will the study last for me?

The full duration of your involvement, including follow-up, will be clearly explained by the study team before you consent to join, but typically involves several years of monitoring.

What kind of questionnaires will I need to fill out?

You'll be asked to complete questionnaires about your health, quality of life, and any symptoms you experience, to help us understand the impact of the treatment.