๐Ÿ›๏ธ Verified NIH Record โ€ข Updated 2026-02-18

GammaPod Dose Escalation Radiation for Early Stage Breast Cancer (NCT04234386)

GCC 1926- Phase Ib Dose Escalation of Single-Fraction Preoperative Stereotactic Partial-Breast Irradiation for Early-Stage Breast Cancer

๐ŸŸข Recruiting Observational / Diagnostic ๐Ÿ“‹ Clinical Research Protocol Sponsor: University of Maryland, Baltimore

๐Ÿฉบ Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)

The GammaPod machine was made by Xcision Medical Systems and is already FDA cleared to deliver focused radiation within the breast. Unlike current radiation machines, the GammaPod was designed specifically for treating breast cancer. The GammaPod can pinpoint radiation to the tumor bed in the breast which lowers the amount of radiation to nearby tissues. The machine uses a breast cup system to hold the breast in place for the treatment. This breast cup system was tested at MSGCCC (Marlene Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center). Patients reported this system was more comfortable than an MRI or mammogram. The cup system was able to securely position the breast for treatment in the correct location. Receiving radiation before surgery is not a new concept in cancer management. Preoperative radiation has proven to result in improved disease free survival in certain types of cancer. With this study treatment, the participants will receive a dose of breast radiation therapy before the lumpectomy surgery. The lumpectomy surgery is where they remove the participant's tumor. The purpose of this research study is to determine a safe and effective dose of pre-operative radiation to treat early stage breast cancer. The pre-operative radiation is delivered using the FDA approved, GammaPod machine. The study will also determine the cosmesis of pre-operative radiation at different doses. Cosmesis is another word for looking at skin changes. The research team will use questionnaires for patient and physicians to assess adverse cosmesis changes as accurately as possible. In addition, the investigators are going to assess radiation related changes using photo software analysis tools and patients quality of life.

Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.

Location: UMMC โ€” Baltimore, Maryland

Age range: 45 Years

๐Ÿงช Interventions in This Study

  • GammaPod Radiation (RADIATION)

๐Ÿ“‹ "Do I Qualify?" โ€” 1-Minute Self Screener

Instant Checklist

Full eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria โ†—

๐Ÿ“ All Participating Trial Locations (4 Sites)

  • UMMC โ€” Baltimore, Maryland
  • Upper Chesapeake Health โ€” Bel Air, Maryland
  • Central Maryland Oncology Center โ€” Columbia, Maryland
  • Baltimore Washington Medical Center โ€” Glen Burnie, Maryland

๐Ÿ“ž Contact the Study Coordinator

Phone: (410) 328-6080

Email: enichols1@umm.edu

Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.

๐Ÿ’ฐ 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 ยง 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.

Explore by condition: All Breast Cancer clinical trials

๐Ÿ’ก How to Participate

  1. Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
  2. Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
  3. Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
  4. Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.
๐Ÿ›๏ธ View Official NIH Record โ†—