CompletedNot Applicable

Radiation Therapy in Treating Patients With Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression

United Kingdom100 participantsStarted 2007-11

Plain-language summary

RATIONALE: Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill tumor cells. It is not yet known which radiation therapy regimen is more effective in treating metastatic spinal cord compression. PURPOSE: This randomized clinical trial is comparing two radiation therapy regimens to see how well they work in treating patients with metastatic spinal cord compression.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Histologically or cytologically confirmed malignant disease * Proven diagnosis of metastatic spinal cord compression on MRI or CT scan * Single site of compression OR multiple sites that can be treated within a single radiation treatment field * No patient for whom surgery or chemotherapy treatment is more appropriate * No multiple myeloma as primary cancer PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: * Life expectancy \> 1 month * Not pregnant * Willing and able to complete assessment forms * Able to give informed consent PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: * See Disease Characteristics

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Patient accrual per center over a 12-month period

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00727584

SponsorCancer Research UK

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2009-02

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Spinal Cord Compression trials