CompletedPhase 2

Kypho-IORT: Intraoperative Radiotherapy During Kyphoplasty for Spinal Metastases

Germany18 participantsStarted 2011-01

Plain-language summary

Vertebral column is the most prevalent location of bone metastases. Besides axial pain, vertebral metastases cause pathological fracture and neurological dysfunction by spinal cord compression. Although the median overall survival of patients with bone metastases is only 7-9 month, half of them live longer and will require palliative treatment for their symptoms. Treatment options are radiotherapy and /or surgical treatment such as laminectomy, vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty. Various studies have shown the superiority of postoperative external beam radiotherapy after kyphoplasty in spinal metastases compared to surgery or radiotherapy alone. Nevertheless postoperative radiation schedules last 2-4 weeks. Moreover many patients present visceral and bone metastases simultaneously and require urgent systemic therapy. However, due to potentiated toxicity, concurrent therapy with full dose chemotherapy and radiotherapy is rarely possible. The investigators have therefore established a novel method for intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) during kyphoplasty which enables immediate stability, sterilization of the metastasis and immediate initiation of chemotherapy. The kyphoplasty itself is performed according to the standard procedure with some minor modifications. In short under general anaesthesia, a bipedicular approach into the affected vertebra is chosen with insertion of specially designed metallic sleeves to guide the electron drift tube of the miniature X-ray generator (INTRABEAM®). To perform the IORT during a kyphoplasty with this device a new applicator was designed. This sterile applicator consists of a plastic head, which is needed to attach it to the X-ray source and a stainless steel tube. This tube protects the probe from bending. Under fluoroscopic guidance the applicator including the drift tube is guided through the metallic sleeves in the vertebral body. A dose of 8 Gy in 5 mm distance is delivered. After IORT the INTRABEAM system is removed. The kyphoplasty balloon is inflated and PMMA-cement is injected. Afterwards the sleeves are removed and the wound is closed as usual. Aim of this study is the definition of the maximum tolerable dose (MTD) for IORT during a kyphoplasty using specific MTD-criteria and evaluating the effectiveness of this combined treatment procedure. To determine the MTD 3 levels with increasing doses are planned: 8 Gy in 5 mm distance, 8 Gy in 8 mm distance and 8 Gy in 10 mm distance.

Who can participate

Age range

50 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: * ≥ 50 years * Karnofsky Index ≥ 60 * histological or by imaging proven spinal metastases (2 cm diameter as the upper limit) inferior TH 3, which are accessible for kyphoplasty * written informed consent obtained * use of adequate contraceptive method by female patients of reproductive potential to minimize risk of pregnancy Exclusion Criteria: * uncontrolled intercurrent medical disorder - including but not limited to ongoing or active infection (including infections in the area of the treated spinal segment, for example, spondylitis / osteomyelitis / skin infections) or mental illness / social situation which affect the compliance of study requirements * prior radiation of the same vertebra * patients could not receive anaesthesia or surgery for medical reasons * history of coagulation disorder associated with bleeding * existing contraindications for MRI- or CT-scans * pregnant or breast-feeding women

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

side effect of IORT using defined MTD criteria: dysfunction of wound healing, infections, osteoradionecrosis, nerve and spinal cord damage, pathological fracture within 90 days

Timeframe: 5 years

Trial details

NCT IDNCT01280032

SponsorUniversitätsmedizin Mannheim

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2013-07

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