High Dose Intensity Modulated Proton Radiation Treatment +/- Surgical Resection of Sarcomas of the Spine, Sacrum and Base of Skull (NCT01346124)
Phase II Study of High Dose Intensity Modulated Proton Radiation Treatment +/- Surgical Resection of Sarcomas of the Spine, Sacrum and Base of Skull
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
There are two types of external radiation treatments; proton beam and photon beam radiation. What type of therapy participants will receive will depend upon the location of their tumor. Standard treatment would involve receiving either proton or photon radiation delivered by a three dimensional (3-D) conformal radiation technique. 3-D conformal radiation therapy is a technique where the beams of radiation used in the treatment are shaped to match the tumor in order to avoid damaging the healthy surrounding tissue. Standard treatment also may include photon radiation delivered by intensity modulated (IMRT) technique. In this research study we are using an investigational technique to deliver proton radiation therapy called intensity modulated proton radiation treatment (IMPT) which is used to target cancer while sparing healthy tissue. With IMPT (and standard IMRT), radiation intensity can be turned down during the treatment. This control over the intensity of the radiation dose has the potential to provide accuracy and allows us to more safely increase the amount of radiation delivered to the tumor. This accuracy may potentially reduce side effects that patients would normally experience with 3-D proton radiation therapy. Surgery is often an important component of the treatment for these tumors and may be integrated with the IMPT.
Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.
Location: Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, Massachusetts
Age range: 18 Years
🧪 Interventions in This Study
- High Dose Intensity Modulated Proton Radiation (RADIATION)
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistFull eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria ↗
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (2 Sites)
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, Massachusetts
- MD Anderson Cancer Center — Houston, Texas
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.
More studies in Chordoma of Spine
Explore by condition: All Chordoma of Spine clinical trials
💡 How to Participate
- Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
- Review the official NIH record below to find the coordinating site.
- Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
- Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.