Study on Proton Beam Therapy for Treating Chordoma
Sponsor: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
ClinicalTrials ID:NCT00496119
This clinical trial is exploring whether proton beam therapy, alone or with photon beam radiation, is effective and safe for treating chordoma at the base of the skull.
Patient Parameters
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Program Overview
The purpose of this study is to find out if proton beam therapy, a type of radiation treatment, can effectively treat chordoma, a rare type of cancer at the base of the skull. Researchers are also looking at the safety of this treatment. Proton therapy uses protons to target the tumor, and the study aims to find the best dose that works without causing harmful side effects. If needed, standard photon therapy may be added to the treatment.
Description
In this study, participants will receive proton beam therapy at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC). If your doctor thinks it's necessary, you might also receive standard photon therapy. The treatment will start at least two weeks after your last surgery to remove the tumor. You'll have proton beam therapy once a day, five days a week, for about seven weeks, totaling around 35 treatments. Each session will take about an hour and will be conducted at the MDACC Proton Center in Houston. This study is experimental, meaning the doses of proton therapy are still being tested to find the most effective and safe levels. The proton beam machine is approved by the FDA for use in patients. About 15 people will participate in this study, all at MDACC.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- Diagnosed with chordoma at the base of the skull.
- Had a contrast-enhanced MRI (or CT if MRI isn't possible) of the skull base within 90 days before joining the study.
- MDACC surgeons have confirmed that the tumor has been optimally reduced.
- Have a Karnofsky Performance status score of 60 or higher, indicating you can care for yourself with some help.
- Have signed an informed consent form agreeing to participate in the study.
Exclusion Criteria
- Have had previous radiation treatment to the skull base.
- Have evidence of cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
- Have had any other cancer (except non-melanoma skin cancer) in the last three years.
Locations
| FACILITY | ZIP | CITY | STATE |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center | 77030 | Houston | Texas |
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