ClearED: Clearance of EBV DNA during PBT for NPC
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploratory study of plasma Epstein Barr Virus DNA clearance during proton beam therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma
IRAS ID
342059
Contact name
Shermaine Pan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a rare type of tumour in children, accounting for 1% of all childhood cancers.
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is linked with NPC and EBV level in blood can predict likelihood of cure. Three adult studies have shown that during radiation therapy (RT), EBV levels rise initially (due to cells dying and releasing their contents) and then quickly decrease. The faster the decline the more likely that treatment will work. Children with NPC tend to do better than adults, so it is important to make sure this test is reliable and useful for children too.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can show changes within the tumour even before becoming smaller. Understanding these changes can possibly show if the tumour is responding well or not to treatment. This can help identify patients that might benefit from less or more intensive treatment.
This study will combine monitoring EBV levels in blood and MRI changes. If a link can be found, the results can lead to studies with larger patient numbers, with the goal of improving patient outcomes through more individualised counselling and risk-adjusted treatment to either intensify treatment (to improve tumour control) or de-escalate treatment (to reduce side effects).
REC name
London - Hampstead Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/LO/0530
Date of REC Opinion
20 Aug 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion