NCT01697371 · Loma Linda University
Proton Therapy in the Treatment of Liver Metastases
What this study is about
Local control of hepatic metastases appears to be a major determinant of how long patients live. However, many patients are not suitable for resection due to medical or surgical reasons. Therefore, there is an important role for a treatment that can provide the equivalent of tumor resection with minimal morbidity.
View original scientific description
Local control of hepatic metastases appears to be a major determinant of overall survival. However, many patients are not suitable for resection due to medical or surgical reasons. Therefore, there is an important role for a treatment that can provide the equivalent of tumor resection with minimal morbidity. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) delivers an ablative regimen of highly focused external beam radiotherapy that targets one or more discrete extracranial lesions. Published reports using SBRT to treat liver metastases have shown actuarial local control rates ranging from 50-100% with higher doses associated with better local control. In patients with metastatic liver disease, aggressive local therapy using modern radiotherapy techniques are promising and project to have a substantial role in the treatment of metastatic liver cancer to treat unresectable disease. The dosimetric advantage of proton therapy may lead to improved clinical outcomes with less morbidity, however, there is no clinical data to confirm this assertion. We thus propose a phase I study to determine the feasibility and safety of stereotactic body proton therapy in patients with liver metastases followed by a phase II study to determine the efficacy of such treatment on local control.
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
- Pathologically confirmed non-lymphoma liver metastases or New radiographic liver lesions consistent with metastases in patients with known pathologically confirmed non-lymphoma cancer 1-3 liver lesions measurable on CT/MRI or PET/CT performed within 6 weeks prior to study entry Liver metastases measuring \<5cm Life expectancy \>6 months Disease outside the liver is allowed Age ≥ 18 ECOG Performance Scale = 0-1 Adequate bone marrow function, defined as follows:
- Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≥ 1,000 cells/mm3 based upon CBC/differential obtained within 4 weeks prior to registration on study
- Platelets ≥ 60,000 cell/mm3 based upon CBC/differential obtained within 4 weeks prior to registration on study
- Hemoglobin ≥ 8.0 g/dl based upon CBC/differential obtained within 4 weeks prior to registration on study (Note: the use of transfusion or other intervention to achieve Hgb ≥ 8.0 is acceptable.) Adequate kidney function (serum creatinine \<2mg/dL) based on chemistry panel obtained within 4 weeks prior to registration on study Adequate liver function, defined as total bilirubin \<5 mg/dL, serum albumin \>2.0g/dL, serum levels of liver enzymes \< 5 times the upper limit of normal, and INR \< 1.5 Previous liver resection or ablative therapy is permitted Chemotherapy and/or targeted agent therapy must be completed at least 2 weeks prior to radiation and started at least 14 days after completion of SBPT Women of childbearing potential and male participants must practice adequate contraception Patient must sign study specific informed consent prior to study entry Pretreatment evaluations required for eligibility include:
- A complete history and general physical examination
- For women of childbearing potential, a serum or urine pregnancy test must be performed within 72 hours prior to registration
- INR, total bilirubin, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, ALT, AST within 4 weeks prior to study entry
Exclusion criteria
- Prior invasive malignancy other than liver met primary (except non-melanomatous skin cancer) unless disease free for \> 3years Prior radiotherapy that would results in overlap of radiation fields Prior radiotherapy to the liver Severe, active co-morbidity that may impact survival CNS metastases Tense ascites requiring frequent paracentesis Active liver infection Pregnancy, nursing women, or women of child bearing potential, and men who are sexually active and not willing/able to use medically acceptable forms of contraception Metastases location within 2cm of GI tract \-
Where
- Loma Linda, California
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 Jun 5, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations