RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Assessment of Quality of Life and Outcomes in Patients With Primary Renal Cell Carcinoma Treated With SBRT

This study is exploring a specific type of radiation therapy called Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) for kidney cancer, officially known as Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC). It's designed for people who can't have surgery because of other health conditions or who would prefer a less invasive treatment. The main goal is to see how well SBRT treats the cancer, if it's safe, and how it impacts a patient's daily life and well-being. Researchers are hoping to find out if this precise radiation method can be a good alternative to surgery for kidney cancer, especially for older patients or those with other health concerns. It's a key step in understanding less invasive options for kidney cancer treatment in Canada.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Enrolment target

Start

08 Feb 2022

Estimated completion

01 Oct 2026

Renal Cell Carcinoma

What is this study about?

Imagine you or someone you know has kidney cancer, but surgery to remove it isn't the best option. This might be because of other health problems, or perhaps you'd simply prefer a treatment that's less invasive. This study is looking into a special kind of radiation therapy, called Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy – or SBRT for short.

SBRT is like a super-focused ray of energy that targets the cancer very precisely, while trying to protect the healthy parts of the kidney and surrounding areas. The idea is to deliver a strong dose of radiation straight to the tumour without having to make any cuts. Doctors are keen to understand if this treatment is effective, how safe it is, and importantly, how it affects a person's quality of life – meaning, how it impacts their everyday well-being and how they feel after treatment.

Traditionally, surgery has been the main treatment for kidney cancer when it hasn't spread. However, many people diagnosed with kidney cancer are older, and surgery can sometimes be too risky for them. This study aims to see if SBRT can be a good, less invasive choice for these patients. It's currently being explored in Canada to gather more information and carefully observe its effects.

Key takeaways

This study explores a focused radiation treatment (SBRT) for kidney cancer.
It's for patients who cannot have surgery or choose not to.
The study assesses how well SBRT works, its safety, and impact on quality of life.
SBRT aims to give a high dose of radiation directly to the tumour.
Researchers hope this offers a new, less invasive option for kidney cancer.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you would need to be 18 years old or older. You should have been recently diagnosed with kidney cancer (Renal Cell Carcinoma), either confirmed by a small tissue sample (biopsy) or if scans have shown your kidney growth is getting bigger over time. The cancer lump in your kidney should be larger than 3cm, or it could be a cancer that has returned after an earlier, less invasive treatment.

Crucially, you must be in a situation where surgery isn't suitable for you. This could mean your doctors feel surgery would be too risky because of your other health conditions, or you've discussed treatment options with a kidney specialist and have decided you'd prefer to avoid surgery. Your general health and ability to do daily activities should also be generally good, as assessed by your doctor. You'll need to be able to understand the study information and give your permission to take part.

However, you wouldn't be able to join if your kidney cancer lump is very large (over 20cm), or if the cancer has spread to other parts of your body. Also, if you've had radiation treatment to your tummy area before in a way that would make precise SBRT difficult, or if you have certain rare conditions that make you very sensitive to radiation, you wouldn't be eligible. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, or those who have had another invasive cancer in the last three years (excluding common skin cancers), would also not be able to participate.

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 kidney cancer that hasn't spread?
Has your doctor said surgery isn't suitable, or have you discussed and decided against surgery?
Is your kidney cancer lump larger than 3cm (or a recurrence after previous local treatment)?
Are you generally feeling well enough to go about your daily activities?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, the main treatment you would receive is Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) for your kidney cancer. This typically involves several treatment sessions. The study will carefully monitor your health and how the treatment affects you over time. This will include regular check-ups with the study team, likely involving blood tests, scans, and questionnaires about your quality of life – how you feel day-to-day. The specific number of visits and the full duration of your participation will be explained by the study team, but throughout the process, your health will be closely watched to make sure the treatment is safe and effective.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might offer a potential benefit: receiving a focused radiation treatment (SBRT) for your kidney cancer if surgery isn't an option or if you prefer a less invasive treatment. This treatment aims to destroy the cancer cells. However, like all medical treatments, SBRT has potential risks, including side effects from the radiation, which your medical team will discuss with you. These could include tiredness or changes to how your kidney functions. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Sunnybrook Health Sciences
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is SBRT?

SBRT is a special type of radiation therapy that uses very focused beams to deliver a high dose of radiation precisely to the cancer, trying to spare healthy tissues.

Why is this study important?

It's important because it aims to find new, less invasive treatment options for kidney cancer, especially for people who can't have surgery or prefer alternatives.

Will I have to stay in the hospital for this treatment?

SBRT is usually an outpatient procedure, meaning you wouldn’t typically need to stay in the hospital for the treatment sessions themselves.

What kind of tests will I have during the study?

You can expect to have regular check-ups, scans to monitor the cancer, and questionnaires to understand how the treatment affects your daily life and well-being.

What if I change my mind about participating?

You are free to stop participating in the study at any time, for any reason. Your decision will not affect your ongoing medical care.

How to find out more

Chris Zehr

chris.zehr@sunnybrook.ca 416-480-6100 Official trial record

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