CompletedPhase 3

Spinal Cord Compression. ICORG 05-03, V6

Ireland126 participantsStarted 2006-01

Plain-language summary

RATIONALE: Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill tumor cells. It is not yet known which radiation therapy schedule is more effective in treating patients with malignant spinal cord compression. PURPOSE: This randomized phase III trial is studying two different radiation therapy schedules to compare their side effects and how well they work in treating patients with malignant 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 confirmed malignancy, excluding the following: * Leukemia * Myeloma * Germ cell tumor * Primary tumor of the spine or vertebral column * Diagnosis of malignant spinal cord compression confirmed by MRI of the entire spine * Deemed inoperable or unsuitable for neurosurgical intervention at the time of initial assessment * No single bone metastasis with controlled primary site PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: * Karnofsky performance status 30-100% * No medical or psychiatric condition that, in the opinion of the investigator or research team, would contraindicate study participation PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: * No prior radiotherapy to the involved area of the spinal cord such that further treatment exceeds spinal cord tolerance

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

Mobility status: measured by the change in mobility status between baseline and 5 weeks, as measured by the in-house mobility scale

Timeframe: 5 weeks from date of randomisation

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00968643

SponsorCancer Trials Ireland

Sponsor typeNETWORK

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2014-05

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Spinal Cord Compression trials