This phase III trial aims to determine the effects of hypo-fractionated radiation compared to standard radiation therapy. The main outcome to be investigated is whether hypo-fractionated radiation has similar or better results when compared to standard radiation. This trial is recruiting in in Illinois, Oklahoma and Virginia, in the United States.
The details
Radiation therapy is a common prostate cancer treatment. It involves directing a beam of radiation at the tumor site in order to kill cancer cells with minimal damage to healthy cells. Hypo-fractionated radiation is a type of radiation therapy that involves receiving large, daily doses of radiation for a shorter period of time than standard radiation. The aim is to target cancer cells while minimizing the damage done to normal cells.
This study will evaluate the benefits of hypo-fractionated radiation therapy by looking at patient response to treatment.
Who are they looking for?
This study is recruiting men over the age of 18 years with confirmed adenocarcinoma and Gleason scores (score based on the microscopic appearance of the cancer cells) between 2 and 6. Candidates will have little to no symptoms and will have confirmed prostate specific antigen (PSA – protein elevated in the blood when prostate cancer is present) levels of less than 10 ng/ml.
Patients cannot take part in this trial if they have undergone previous prostate cancer treatments, with the exception of hormone therapy (targets the male sex hormones active in the prostate gland, such as testosterone). Candidates who are experiencing additional urinary or rectal problems will not be considered. Candidates who are not mentally competent will not be considered. Patients who have had any other cancers in the past five years and who have a 5-year survival outlook of less than 50% will not be eligible.
How will it work
Patients will be split into two groups. Group 1 will receive hypo-fractionated radiation therapy. They will be given radiation at 38 Gy and 7.6 Gy five days a week in 5 treatments over the space of 1-2 weeks. Group 2 will receive standard radiation therapy. They will be given 79.2 Gy and 1.8 Gy five days a week in 44 treatments over 8-9 weeks.
