Radiotherapy & Total Neoadjuvant Therapy for Recurrent Rectal Cancer in Previously Irradiated Pat… (NCT05984576) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
Radiotherapy & Total Neoadjuvant Therapy for Recurrent Rectal Cancer in Previously Irradiated Patients, an Italian Association for Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology (AIRO)-GI Platform: a Multi-centre Prospective Observational Study
Italy88 participantsStarted 2023-06-21
Plain-language summary
The introduction of neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (CRT) and the use of advanced surgical techniques have led to a reduction in mortality and recurrence rates for rectal cancer, the rate of which currently stands at 4-8%. Complete cytoreduction (achieving R0) of local recurrence is the main factor correlating with survival, but surgery can often be very complex because of the change in anatomical planes caused by previous surgery. Reirradiation of the recurrence may increase the rate of optimal resection (R0) and may palliate symptoms in unresectable disease. It is a very complex procedure, because one has to take into account the dose previously received by the organs at risk (OARs) and at the same time be able to deliver an effective dose to the recurrence. However with modern irradiation techniques (VMAT) it is possible to increasingly spare the OARs and deliver adequate doses in this setting as well.
Besides radiotherapy with conventional fractionation, other promising options are stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) with and proton (PT) and carbon ion RT (CIRT). Another topic of interest is chemotherapy intensification (CHT): recent studies of concomitant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy (Total Neoadjuvant Therapy) have shown high rates of antitumour response, however even this option should be evaluated with caution, because it must take into account previous cancer treatments received by the patient.
Based on the evidence reported in the literature, it is reasonable to assume that treatment of local recurrence of rectal cancer should be multimodal, integrating surgical treatment with CHT and RT, using the different technologies available. To this end, proper stratification of patients is necessary in order to target the appropriate therapy according to the type of recurrence and their clinical condition.
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:
* Age ≥ 18 years old;
* Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) 0-1;
* Adequate hematological function, i.e.:
* Granulocyte count \> 1500/µL;
* Hemoglobin level \>10 g/dL;
* Platelet count \> 100000/µL;
* Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)/aspartate aminotransferase (AST): 7-45 international units (UI)/L.
* Potentially curable Oligo-metastatic disease;
* Life expectancy of more than 24 months;
* Histologically (if feasible) or radiologically MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), if no contraindications, and CT (computed tomography) and/or Positron Emission Tomography scan (PET) proven pelvic local recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC);
* Previous pelvic irradiation \> 6 months;
* Availability of the previous treatment plan in DICOM format only (Digital Imaging and COmmunications in Medicine).
Exclusion Criteria:
* Age \<18 y.o.;
* Pregnancy or lactating female patients;
* Psychological, familial, sociological or geographical condition potentially hampering compliance with the study protocol and follow-up schedule (those conditions should be discussed with the patient before registration in the trial);
* Important comorbidities (such as: severe cardiac or coagulative disease, moderate or severe restrictive/obstructive lung deficit, severe cognitive impairment, moderate and severe renal and hepatic impairment.
* Refusal to sign written informed consent.
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.