Study on Using MRI and CT-Guided Radiation Therapy for Abdominopelvic Sarcomas (MARS Trial)

Program Overview

This study aims to use advanced imaging technology, including MRI and CT scans, to guide radiation therapy for patients with sarcomas in the abdomen or pelvis. The goal is to deliver high doses of radiation directly to the tumor while protecting nearby healthy organs. Participants will receive radiation treatment daily for five days, excluding weekends and holidays. After completing radiation therapy, the primary tumor will be surgically removed within 12 weeks. The radiation oncology team will monitor participants for five years after treatment to track their progress.

Description

Participants in this study will undergo a process to plan and simulate their radiation treatment. This involves using special devices to keep them still during treatment and taking both CT and MRI scans, which are standard procedures for treating soft tissue sarcomas.

The study team will carefully outline the tumor using these scans to ensure the radiation targets the cancer accurately. They will follow specific guidelines to determine the area that needs treatment, which may include expanding the target area slightly to cover any suspicious regions seen on the MRI. The treatment area will then be adjusted to ensure the radiation covers the tumor effectively while minimizing exposure to nearby healthy organs.

The radiation dose will be delivered in five sessions, with each session providing a specific amount of radiation. Advanced techniques may be used to focus the radiation on the tumor and protect other organs, although this is not mandatory.

Radiation will be given daily for five consecutive days, except on weekends and holidays. If there is a holiday or scheduling issue, two sessions may be given on the same day, with at least six hours between them.

After completing radiation therapy, the primary tumor will be surgically removed within 12 weeks. The removed tissue will be examined by a pathologist and reviewed by a team of cancer specialists.

Eligibility Criteria