Accelerated Radiation Therapy for Glioblastoma

This trial explores whether a shorter radiation therapy schedule is as effective as the standard schedule for treating glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer. The shorter course, known as Accelerated Hypofractionated Radiation Therapy, delivers higher doses over a shorter period, potentially killing more cancer cells with fewer side effects. Participants with glioblastoma who have undergone surgery and can undergo MRIs may be suitable candidates. The trial compares two groups: one receives the standard radiation schedule, while the other follows the accelerated schedule. Both groups also take a chemotherapy pill called temozolomide. As a Phase 2 trial, this research measures the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group, offering participants a chance to contribute to significant advancements in glioblastoma treatment.

The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are taking carbidopa/levodopa, you must stop at least 48 hours before an 18F-DOPA-PET scan.

Research has shown that hypofractionated radiation therapy, a shorter course of radiation treatment, is generally safe for patients with glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer. Studies indicate that this method is increasingly used and has been linked to positive outcomes. Over the years, many patients have received this shorter radiation therapy, reflecting growing trust in its safety.

Moreover, studies without random assignment suggest that combining this shorter radiation therapy with the chemotherapy drug temozolomide is both safe and effective. Patients who received this combination did not experience any unusual or severe side effects beyond what is typically expected with these treatments.

Researchers are excited about the accelerated radiation therapy for glioblastoma because it offers a faster and potentially more effective treatment regimen. Unlike the standard approach, which involves radiation over a 3-6 week period, the experimental short course delivers radiation in just 1-2 weeks. This condensed schedule not only reduces treatment time but may also enhance the therapy's impact by delivering higher doses in fewer sessions. Additionally, both treatment approaches utilize advanced imaging techniques, like PET/CT with 18-F-DOPA and MRI, to closely monitor tumor response, which could lead to more precise and personalized treatment adjustments.

Research shows that accelerated hypofractionated radiation therapy, which delivers higher doses of radiation over a shorter period, can effectively treat glioblastoma. In this trial, some participants will receive this short course RT, while others will receive the standard course RT. Studies indicate that the accelerated method is as safe and effective as standard radiation therapy. A combined analysis from several trials suggests that this shorter treatment offers similar survival benefits to traditional methods. Additionally, shorter treatment schedules can be more convenient, especially for patients who struggle to access long-term treatments. Early evidence supports that this method effectively targets tumor cells while reducing side effects.¹²³⁶⁷