A Prospective Study Using Implanted Fiducial Markers to Assess Treatment Accuracy and Esophageal Toxicity in Spinal Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy

Study Groups:

If you are found to be eligible to take part in this study, you will be assigned to a study group based on when you join this study. Up to 3 groups of 10 participants will be enrolled in the first part of the study, and up to 2 groups of 10 participants will be enrolled in the second part of the study. Only participants who will receive a single spinal SBRT treatment are eligible for the second part of the study.

The participants in the first part of the study will receive standard doses of radiation therapy to normal organs while treating the tumor. In the second part of the study, each new group will receive a higher dose of radiation to the esophagus than the group before it, if no intolerable side effects were seen.

Radiation Planning and Treatment:

Before starting radiation treatment, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire about any symptoms you might be having and any drugs that you are taking. It should take about 10 minutes to complete. After treatment, you will be given copies of the questionnaire to take with you, and asked to fill it out 1 time a week for the next 4 weeks. You should return the questionnaires by mail. Self-addressed stamped envelopes will be given to you.

During all radiation treatments, the images that are taken during your treatment will be closely analyzed after treatment is over. You will have 1 to 3 radiation treatment sessions depending on your doctor's decision.

If you are in the second part of the study, you will receive slightly more radiation than usual to the normal esophagus.

The rest of your radiation treatment planning and treatment delivery appointments will be unchanged. The dose given to the tumor and number of treatments you receive will be determined by your doctor, and is not affected by taking part in this study.

Follow-Up Visits:

After your radiation treatment schedule ends, you will return for follow-up visits at the following time points:

At 3 months
Then, every 3 months for 1 year
Every 6 months during year 2, and then
1 time a year after that, for as long as possible

Additional follow up visits may be scheduled, if your doctor thinks they are needed.

At these visits, the following tests and procedures will be performed:

Any updates to your medical history will be recorded and you will be asked about any side effects you may be having.
Your performance status will be recorded.
Your completed symptom questionnaires will be reviewed.
You will have a physical, including measurement of your vital signs
You will have a neurological exam.
You will have follow-up imaging (such as an MRI) to check the status of the disease.

This is an investigational study. Radiation therapy is delivered using FDA-approved and commercially available methods. It is considered investigational to give increased radiation to the esophagus.

Up to 57 patients will take part in this study. All will be enrolled at MD Anderson.