CompletedPhase 2

Spinal Cord Compression Re-Treat Study

Ireland22 participantsStarted 2007-10

Plain-language summary

RATIONALE: Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill tumor cells. Radiation therapy may be effective in treating malignant spinal cord compression in patients who have received previous radiation therapy to the spine. PURPOSE: This phase II trial is studying radiation therapy in treating patients with malignant spinal cord compression.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 120 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: * MRI-confirmed diagnosis of malignant spinal cord compression * MRI of the entire spine performed * Histologically proven malignancy * No primary tumors of the spine or vertebral column * Undergone previous radiotherapy to the involved area of the spinal cord (e.g., full segment and/or ≥ 2 cm in cranio-caudal of overlap between the 2 areas treated) * Maximum biologically effective dose received from previous irradiation ≤ 90 Gy\_2 * Deemed not suitable for neurosurgical intervention at the time of initial assessment * Patients deemed inoperable are eligible PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: * Karnofsky performance status 40-100% * Short life expectancy * No medical or psychiatric condition that, in the opinion of the investigator or research team, contraindicates participation in this study 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

Response to treatment as assessed by mobility via the Tomita mobility scale

Timeframe: 5 weeks after completion of radiation therapy

Overall response rate (stabilization and response) (stage I)

Timeframe: 5 weeks subsequent to radiation therapy and 3 monthly timepoints thereafter

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00974168

SponsorCancer Trials Ireland

Sponsor typeNETWORK

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2016-12

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