RecruitingNot Applicable

Local Radiofrequency Ablation Plus External Beam Radiation for the Treatment of Painful Thoracic and Lumbar Spine Tumors

United States70 participantsStarted 2026-03-16

Plain-language summary

This study looks at how well a combination of treatments helps reduce pain in people with tumors in the middle and lower back (thoracic and lumbar spine). All participants receive the same treatment, which includes a procedure to stabilize the spine (kyphoplasty), radiofrequency ablation will be with the Osteocool system and radiation therapy. The goal is to see how effective this combined approach is at relieving pain. The purpose of this study is to find out whether combining these three treatments provides better pain relief for patients with thoracic and lumbar spine tumors. This study is for adults who have cancer that has spread to the thoracic or lumbar spine and who report moderate to severe back pain (a pain score of 5 or higher on a 0-10 pain scale).

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: * Written informed consent obtained to participate in the study and HIPAA authorization for release of personal health information. * Subjects is willing and able to comply with study procedures based on the judgement of the investigator. * Age ≥ 18 years at the time of consent. * Life expectancy beyond completion of protocol intervention of at least 1 month and deemed appropriate for treatment based on multidisciplinary review and/or investigator discretion. * Metastatic thoracic or lumbar spine tumor. Tumor should be lytic or mixed lytic/blastic. Note: there does not need to be a fracture. * Patient reported back pain of ≥ 5 on a VAS scale Exclusion Criteria: * Active infection requiring systemic therapy. * Pregnant or breastfeeding (NOTE: breast milk cannot be stored for future use while the mother is being treated on study). * Is currently taking Avastin or anti-coagulant meds that cannot be held. * Is currently enrolled in a cancer related clinical trial.

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

Change in pain intensity

Timeframe: Baseline and at 3 months (1 months after completion of radiotherapy)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07479199

SponsorUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2031-03-01

Contact for this trial

Markeela Lipscomb

919-984-0000 markeela_lipscomb@med.unc.edu

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Thoracic Neoplasms trials