NCT04725903 · Emory University
Proton Radiation Therapy for the Treatment of Patients With High Risk Prostate Cancer
What this study is about
This phase II trial investigates whether proton radiation therapy directed to the prostate tumor, pelvic, and para-aortic lymph nodes, is an effective way to treat patients with high-risk or lymph node positive prostate cancer who are receiving radiation therapy, and if it will result in fewer gastrointestinal and genitourinary side effects.
View original scientific description
This phase II trial investigates whether proton radiation therapy directed to the prostate tumor, pelvic, and para-aortic lymph nodes, is an effective way to treat patients with high-risk or lymph node positive prostate cancer who are receiving radiation therapy, and if it will result in fewer gastrointestinal and genitourinary side effects. Proton beam therapy is a new type of radiotherapy that directs multiple beams of protons (positively charged subatomic particles) at the tumor target, where they deposit the bulk of their energy with essentially no residual radiation beyond the tumor. By reducing the exposure of the healthy tissues and organs to radiation in the treatment of prostate cancer, proton therapy has the potential to better spare healthy tissue and reduce the side effects of radiation therapy.
Interventions
RADIATION
High-Dose Rate Brachytherapy
Receive high-dose rate brachytherapy boost
RADIATION
Proton Beam Radiation Therapy
Undergo proton beam therapy
OTHER
Quality-of-Life Assessment
Ancillary studies
OTHER
Survey Administration
Ancillary studies
Primary outcome measures
Acute grade 2+ gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity
Time frame: Up to 3 years
The rate of grade 2+ gastrointestinal toxicity within 30 days of receiving radiation therapy (RT) will be measured. It will be compared to the theorized reduction to 24% toxicity using the exact binomial test. Assessments are based on version 5 Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), and the worst severity of GI toxicity will be assessed.
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 high-risk prostate cancer fulfilling any one of the following criteria:
- Gleason grade 8 or higher
- cT3b (seminal vesicle involvement) or cT4
- Prostate specific antigen \[PSA\] \> 20 (or PSA \>10 if on finasteride)
- Clinically or pathologically positive regional lymph nodes within the inguinal, external iliac, internal iliac, obturator, peri-rectal, pre-sacral, common iliac, or lower para-oaortc (inferior to the L2-L3 interspace) basins
- Zubrod performance status 0-2
- Complete blood cell (CBC)/differential obtained within 90 days prior to registration on study
- Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) \>= 1,500 cells/mm\^3
- Platelets \>= 100,000 cells/mm\^3
- Hemoglobin \>= 8.0 g/dl (Note: The use of transfusion or other intervention to achieve hemoglobin \[Hgb\] \>= 8.0 g/dl is acceptable)
- Patient must be able to provide study specific informed consent
Exclusion criteria
- Absence of bone metastasis by bone scan or metabolic imaging (e.g. NaF PET, FACBC PET, PSMA PET, etc.) before the start of therapy.
- Absence of distant lymph node metastasis by CT and/or MRI before the start of therapy.
- Previous radical surgery (prostatectomy) or cryosurgery for prostate cancer
- Prior radiotherapy, including brachytherapy, to the region of the study cancer that would result in overlap of radiation therapy fields
- Uncontrolled intercurrent illness including, but not limited to, inflammatory bowel disease, human immunodeficiency virus infection, ongoing or active infection, symptomatic congestive heart failure, unstable angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmia, or psychiatric illness/social situations that would limit compliance with study requirements
Where
- Atlanta, Georgia
Collaborators
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
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 Feb 17, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations