Study Comparing Two Types of Radiation Therapy for Soft Tissue Sarcomas

Program Overview

The study aims to determine if a new method of delivering radiation therapy, called hypofractionated radiotherapy, is safe and effective for treating soft tissue sarcomas before surgery. This method uses higher doses of radiation over fewer sessions compared to the traditional approach, which spreads out smaller doses over several weeks. The trial will involve 30 participants and will last up to 5 years.

Description

Soft tissue sarcomas are typically treated with a combination of radiation therapy and surgery. Traditionally, radiation is given in smaller doses over about 5 weeks before surgery. This is known as conventionally fractionated radiotherapy. In this study, researchers are testing a different approach called hypofractionated radiotherapy, which involves giving higher doses of radiation over a shorter period, usually 1-2 weeks.

The goal is to see if this shorter treatment is just as effective at shrinking tumors and preparing them for surgery, while also reducing side effects and the time between diagnosis and surgery. Participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving the traditional 5-week treatment and the other receiving the shorter 1-2 week treatment.

The study will evaluate how well the tumors respond to each type of radiation therapy, any complications with wound healing, and the long-term effects of the treatments. Researchers will also look at how well the cancer is controlled and how long patients remain free of disease after treatment. Additionally, they will study the quality of life of patients undergoing each type of therapy.

Eligibility Criteria