Investigating the Effectiveness of Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) in Addition to Standard of Care Treatment for Cancer That Has Spread Beyond the Original Site of Disease

RADIATION

Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy/SBRT

Radiation to each metastatic site should be delivered to a minimum dose of 30 Gy in 5 fractions (BED of 48 Gy10). The exact dose of radiotherapy will be determined by the treating radiation oncologist. Preferred regimens for lung metastases include 50 Gy in five fractions, 48 Gy in four fractions, or 54 Gy in three fractions, although lower doses may be employed to respect dose limits to critical structures such as the esophagus. Recommended SBRT dosing for other sites includes 27 to 30 Gy in three fractions or 24 Gy in one fraction for bone metastases.

DRUG

Systemic Therapy/Standard of Care

Standard of care systemic therapy, including chemotherapeutics, targeted therapies, immunomodulatory agents, and hormonal therapies will be delivered at the discretion of the treating oncologist. For patients randomized to receive SBRT, systemic therapy can be continued during SBRT at the discretion and concensus of treating physicians (medical oncologist and radiation oncologist). If the treating physicians recommend discontinuing systemic therapy during SBRT, general guidelines for stopping and reinitiating systemic regimen are as follows: Hormonal therapies and immunotherapy can be continued during SBRT. Consideration can be given to holding cytotoxic chemotherapy beginning 3 to 7 days prior to the initiation of SBRT until 3 to 7 days after the completion of SBRT. Similarly, consideration can be given to holding biologic agents during SBRT and for 0 to 3 days before and after.

Progression Free Survival

Time frame: Up to 2 years

To determine whether stereotactic body radiotherapy to all sites of metastatic disease in patients with oligometastatic non-small cell lung cancer or triple-negative breast cancer improves progression free survival (PFS), defined as time from randomization to disease progression or death, as compared to standard of care therapy alone.

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.