This is a pragmatic trial with patients randomized between standard of care palliative thoracic radiation therapy (RT) vs. hypofractionated, dose-escalated, esophageal-sparing (HD-ES) intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). The investigators hypothesize that the use of advanced radiation planning techniques to optimize dose to esophagus will permit the safe delivery of a modestly dose-escalated five-fraction course of palliative radiation to intrathoracic malignancies. This approach aims to deliver higher biologically effective doses while improving toxicity when compared to conventional approaches with the goal of prolonging high-quality overall survival.
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
time to definitive quality of life deterioration or death
Timeframe: from enrollment until 36 months post radiotherapy