CompletedNot Applicable

Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CT) (CBCT) With and Without a Customized Vacuum Immobilization Device (CVID)

Canada20 participantsStarted 2009-04

Plain-language summary

This study is designed to investigate whether or not the use of a customized vacuum immobilization device (CVID) to immobilize rectal cancer patients undergoing preoperative pelvic radiation therapy improves the positional stability of patients during each radiation treatment. This question is more relevant now in the era of image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT). Using state of the art IGRT technologies such as cone beam CT (CBCT) scanning, assessments of the accuracy of treatment delivery can be made during a course of radiation therapy allowing for patient set-up corrective strategies to be implemented. The use of CBCT scanning may minimize any potential benefit of of a CVID if the patient's pretreatment position can be corrected prior to treatment and our current immobilization strategy results in a stable patient position. While it is seemingly intuitive to assume that the use of CVID results in better patient stability, there is actually little data to support this.

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: * Any rectal cancer patient who is to receive a 5 week course of preoperative pelvic radiation therapy with or without concurrent chemotherapy * Prone treatment position * Age 18 years or older * Informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to provide informed consent * Inability to tolerate treatment in the prone position * Pregnancy * Patients with unilateral or bilateral metallic total hip replacements

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

Comparing the use of a prone pillow and simple ankle fixation device vs. the use of a CVID for immobilization rectal patients during the course of preoperative radiation therapy using KV CBCT for IGRT.

Timeframe: 2 years

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00937248

SponsorUniversity Health Network, Toronto

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2023-04-21

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Rectal Cancer trials