Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation (PCI) for Small Cell Carcinoma of the Urothelium (NCT00756639) | Clinical Trial Compass
Active — Not RecruitingPhase 2
Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation (PCI) for Small Cell Carcinoma of the Urothelium
United States31 participantsStarted 2008-07-21
Plain-language summary
The goal of this clinical research study is to learn if whole brain radiation can lower the chances of developing brain tumors in patients with small cell carcinoma of the urinary tract, including the bladder. The safety of whole brain radiation will also be studied.
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.
Inclusion criteria
. Patients with histologically proven small cell carcinoma of the bladder, or elsewhere along the urothelium, which is locally advanced or metastatic (i.e. \> or = cT3b, \> or = pT3b, N+, or M+) at the time of presentation or cystectomy who have been treated with chemotherapy.
. Patients must have had a response to chemotherapy, which the investigator feels is likely to resulting systemic control of the cancer. In most instances, this would reflect a major response (i.e. \> or = 90% reduction of tumor), though a lower percentage may be acceptable if the investigator feels the residual reflects another component, such as transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). Dr Arlene Siefker-Radtke will serve as the final arbiter when questions regarding response arise.
. Since small cell tumors of the bladder are often associated with other variant histology including TCC and adenocarcinoma, the presence of variant histology will be allowed.
. Patients must be \> or = 18 years of age.
. Patients may be on other trials (either here at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center or at an outside institution) as long as the other eligibility criteria are met.
. Patients must not have any evidence of progressive disease at the time of study entry.
. Patients must have an MRI or CT of the head showing no CNS metastases within 6 weeks of study entry.
. Patients must have adequate physiologic reserves as evidenced by: a) Zubrod Performance Status (PS) of \< or = 2; b) Adequate bone marrow reserves as evidenced by ANC \> 1000, and platelet count \> 75,000. Supranormal values judged to be of benign or inconsequential etiology will be acceptable.
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.