Proton Therapy vs. IMRT for Low or Intermediate Risk Prostate Cancer

Overview

About this study

We are studying whether men being treated for prostate cancer have the same amount of side effects from either one of two different external radiation treatments: IMRT or PBT. With IMRT, a number of x-ray beams are used to shape the radiation to the prostate. PBT is another type of external radiation treatment for prostate cancer that is used in a few centers in the United States. Protons are tiny particles with positive charge that can be controlled to travel a certain distance and stop. PBT is precise like IMRT, but it uses proton beams instead of x-ray beams. IMRT and PBT aim to deliver most of the radiation to the prostate cancer while sparing surrounding tissues. Both IMRT and PBT have been used in the treatment of prostate cancer and are thought to be equally effective at curing prostate cancer. However, both treatments have also been shown to cause the potential side effects of radiation, including bowel, urinary and erectile problems. It is possible that side effect rates with PBT will be lower, the same, or even higher than with IMRT, but this has not been studied well to date. Though both of these radiation therapies have been used in the past to treat prostate cancer, there has never been a study that compares the effects of these two therapies to see which one has less side effects. In this research study, we are comparing IMRT to PBT to determine which therapy best minimizes the side effects of treatment.

Participation eligibility

Participant eligibility includes age, gender, type and stage of disease, and previous treatments or health concerns. Guidelines differ from study to study, and identify who can or cannot participate. There is no guarantee that every individual who qualifies and wants to participate in a trial will be enrolled. Contact the study team to discuss study eligibility and potential participation.

Inclusion Criteria:

Diagnosed with histologically confirmed adenocarcinoma of the prostate based on core-biopsy within 1 year of study entry from TRUS
Clinical stages T1c to T2b
PSA <20
Gleason score ≤6 if PSA <20 or Gleason score 3 + 4 = 7 or 4 + 3 = 7 if PSA <20
Must have complete history and physical examination within 45 days of study entry and digital rectal examination of prostate within 180 days of study entry
Participants who are currently receiving Dutasteride (or have received it within the last 90 days) or Finasteride (or have received it within the last 30 days) must have a PSA of ≤ 10

Exclusion Criteria:

Prior surgery (not including TURP), cryosurgery, radiofrequency ablation, chemotherapy or radiation for PCa
Prior or planned androgen deprivation or bilateral orchiectomy
Distant metastases, or clinically or pathologically involved lymph nodes confirmed by a CT scan within 365 days of study entry
Hip prosthesis, inflammatory bowel disease or connective tissue disorder such as active scleroderma or lupus
History of other malignancies within the past 5 years
Individuals who have AIDS (CD4 < 200 or an AIDS-defining illness) or are HIV positive and not on HAART therapy are ineligible.
Major medical or psychiatric illness

Participating Mayo Clinic locations

Study statuses change often. Please contact the study team for the most up-to-date information regarding possible participation.

Mayo Clinic Location	Status	Contact
Rochester, Minn. Mayo Clinic principal investigator Thomas Pisansky, M.D.	Closed for enrollment	Contact information: Cancer Center Clinical Trials Referral Office (855) 776-0015

Mayo Clinic Location

Status

Contact

Rochester, Minn.

Mayo Clinic principal investigator

Thomas Pisansky, M.D.

Closed for enrollment

Contact information:

Cancer Center Clinical Trials Referral Office

(855) 776-0015

More information

Publications

Publications are currently not available

Clinical Trials