Radiation Therapy (RT) for Parkinson's Disease (PD)
United States20 participantsStarted 2026-01-20
Plain-language summary
The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of ultra-low, anti-inflammatory doses of radiation therapy (RT) for the treatment of Parkinson's Disease (PD). In this study, the TrueBeam LINAC utilizes a linear accelerator (LINAC) for the delivery of radiation therapy. Dynamic conformal arc (DCA) therapy will be used to deliver a total of five (5) once-a-day radiation treatments (RT) using DaT-SPECT (Dopamine Transporter-Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography) and MRI imaging to guide radiation treatment planning.
Who can participate
Age range
45 Years – 70 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 ≥ 45 and ≤ 70 years
* Diagnosis of Parkinson's disease by a Movement Disorder Neurologist
* Confirmation of unilateral Parkinson's disease by Dopamine Transporter (DaT) scan
* A score of 2 or less on the modified Hoehn and Yahr scale
* ECOG Performance Status (PS) ≤ 2 (Appendix I).
* No known genetic causes or predisposition to Parkinson's disease or related diseases.
* Ability to complete questionnaires, neurological exam, and follow-up imaging independently or with assistance
* Ability to provide written informed consent
* Willing to provide mandatory blood samples for correlative research purposes
* Willing to return to enrolling institution for follow-up
Exclusion Criteria
* Concomitant dementia diagnosis or concerns of other memory disorder
* Parkinson's Disease medication changes within the last 3 months
* Receipt of radiation therapy for Parkinson's Disease outside Mayo Clinic, Rochester
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.
1This trial is listed as 'enrolling by invitation only' — can you help me understand how patients are selected, and whether this is something worth pursuing given my specific situation?
2Radiation therapy isn't a standard treatment for Parkinson's disease — can you explain what the researchers think radiation might be doing to slow disease progression, and what is currently known about its safety for this purpose?
3Since this trial is listed as Phase NA, what does that mean for how much safety and effectiveness data already exists, and how would that factor into your recommendation for me?
4The trial is measuring 'change in progression of Parkinson's disease' as its primary outcome — how would my progression be tracked, what tests or assessments would that involve, and how often would I need to come in?
5Before considering something like this, are there standard Parkinson's treatments or other established options we haven't fully explored yet that might be a better first step for me?
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.