NCT01766297 · Proton Collaborative Group
Phase II Protocol of Proton Therapy for Partial Breast Irradiation in Early Stage Breast Cancer
What this study is about
The purpose of this research study is to compare the effects (good and bad) on women and their cancer using proton radiation therapy. This study is being done to see if proton radiation therapy will prove to be beneficial for women with early stage breast cancer. A clinical study is necessary to compare the results (good or bad) of proton radiation therapy.
View original scientific description
The purpose of this research study is to compare the effects (good and bad) on women and their cancer using proton radiation therapy. This study is being done to see if proton radiation therapy will prove to be beneficial for women with early stage breast cancer. A clinical study is necessary to compare the results (good or bad) of proton radiation therapy.
Interventions
RADIATION
Proton Radiotherapy
Primary outcome measures
To assess events of freedom from ipsilateral breast recurrence occurrences in patients receiving partial breast proton radiation therapy limited to the region of the tumor.
Time frame: At 3 years
Freedom from failure (FFF): The events for FFF will be the first ipsilateral breast cancer recurrence. It is expected that less than 3% of patients will experience an ipsilateral breast cancer recurrence (FFF ≥ 97%). A recurrence rate of ≥ 10% (FFF ≤ 90%) is considered unacceptable. Therefore, the null hypothesis is the FFF of ipsilateral breast cancer recurrence is 90% or lower and the alternative hypothesis is that FFF of ipsilateral breast cancer is 97% or higher.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Must sign study-specific, IRB approved informed consent form prior to study entry. Note consent by legally authorized representative is not allowed for this trial.
- Must be female.
- Must be \> = 50 years of age.
- Must have a life expectancy of at least 5 years based on age and co-morbidities.
- Must have pathology proven invasive ductal carcinoma (lobular is not allowed) and/or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).
- One of the following criteria must be met: (a) Tumors that are microscopically multifocal must be 3.0 cm or less in total aggregate size and encompassed within a single scar (b) Patient does not have microscopically multifocal tumor.
- For tumors that are invasive, if in the presence of extensive intraductal component (EIC), the entire pathologic tumor size (including both the intraductal and invasive component) must be 3.0 cm or less.
- Must be Stage 0, I, II (Tis, T1, or T2, N0, M0 per AJCC criteria 7th and/or 8th Ed.). If stage II, the tumor size must be \< = 3.0 cm. A patient with invasive histology must have nodal stage pN0 by H\&E stains on sentinel node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection.
- Must have ER positive disease with ER/PR report available.
- For tumors that are invasive, HER2 must be performed (positive or negative is acceptable).
- Must have a lumpectomy performed, with documented negative surgical margins by 0.2 cm or more. If re-excision results in negative surgical margins 0.2 cm or more, patient is eligible.
- If image guidance with daily cone beam CT with direct physician visual assessment is used for treatment positioning, the presence of markers or clips in the surgical bed is recommended but not required. If cone beam CT imaging will NOT be used for image guidance, then the patient must be prepared to have 2 fiducial markers minimum, 3 preferred, placed prior to treatment (if not previously done).
- If markers or clips were placed at the time of surgery, patient must be able to start treatment within 12 weeks after lumpectomy or re-excision for adequate margins.
- If markers were not placed at the time of surgery and are needed, patient must have markers placed within 6 weeks after surgery.
- If systemic chemotherapy was given, patient must have had clips or markers placed at the time of surgery (if they are needed) and patient must have simulation scans within 6 weeks of the completion of the chemotherapy.
- Must be able to start treatment within 12 weeks of surgery or 8 weeks of finalization of chemotherapy.
Exclusion criteria
- Previous history of ipsilateral invasive breast cancer or DCIS.
- Any clinical or radiographically suspicious nodes, unless biopsy proven benign.
- Non-epithelial malignancies such as sarcoma or lymphoma.
- Suspicious residual microcalcifications on mammography of either breast, unless negative for malignancy on pathology.
- Multicentric or bilateral disease unless biopsy of the clinical abnormalities are performed and result is negative.
- Lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) on pathology specimen.
- Any previously treated breast carcinoma or synchronous breast carcinoma in ipsilateral breast.
- Prior radiation therapy to the ipsilateral breast or thorax.
- Paget's disease of the nipple.
- Histologic examination showing invasive lobular histology.
- Skin involvement.
- Breasts technically unsatisfactory for radiation treatment upon the discretion of the treating physician.
- Significant infection or other co-existing medical condition that would preclude protocol therapy such as pregnancy, HIV/AIDS or collagen vascular diseases specifically systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, or dermatomyositis.
- Known BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 mutation.
- Pregnant or lactating.
Where
- Scottsdale, Arizona
- San Diego, California
- Warrenville, Illinois
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Flint, Michigan
- New York, New York
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Fairfax, Virginia
- Hampton, Virginia
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Sep 29, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations