Radiation Therapy for Bone Cancer

(TARGET-RT Trial)

This trial explores whether radiation therapy can improve survival for young people with metastatic sarcoma, a cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. It compares two groups: one receiving standard care and another receiving additional targeted radiation to all cancer sites. The trial is suitable for individuals under 39 with newly diagnosed, measurable metastatic sarcoma or those with progressive disease requiring further treatment. Participants will undergo consolidative radiation therapy to determine if it better controls the cancer. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could lead to new treatment strategies for metastatic sarcoma.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

Research has shown that consolidative radiation therapy (cRT) is generally safe and manageable for patients. Similar treatments, such as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), have been studied and found to control the disease effectively with minimal side effects. Most patients experience symptom relief without major issues. This treatment targets cancer in specific areas, enhancing effectiveness while minimizing side effects. Although every treatment carries some risks, current evidence suggests that cRT is a reliable option for managing the spread of bone cancer.¹²³⁴⁵

Researchers are excited about consolidative radiation therapy (cRT) for bone cancer because it offers a comprehensive approach by combining radiation or surgery at the primary cancer site with radiation targeting all metastatic sites. Unlike standard treatments that typically focus on systemic chemotherapy or isolated radiation, cRT aims to address both primary and metastatic cancer sites simultaneously, potentially leading to more effective disease control. This approach could offer improved outcomes by ensuring that both visible and microscopic disease areas are treated, which is a significant advancement over traditional methods.

Research has shown that using radiation therapy after initial treatment, known as consolidative radiation therapy (cRT), can effectively treat bone cancer. In this trial, one group of participants will receive cRT, which involves radiation or surgery to the primary site and radiation to all sites of metastatic disease. One study found that patients who received radiation for cancer that had spread to their bones lived an average of 49.1 months, compared to 40.5 months for those who did not receive radiation. Another study found that high-dose radiation can improve bone strength and function. These findings suggest that using radiation on areas where cancer has spread could help patients with bone cancer live longer.⁵⁶⁷⁸⁹