LDR BURST
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Comparing the side effects of Low Dose Rate Brachytherapy against Ultra-hypofractionated Radiotherapy using Spacer gel Treatment in men with Cambridge Prognostic Groups (CPG) 1 to 3 (NCCN low to intermediate risk) prostate cancer
IRAS ID
352397
Contact name
William Hayhurst
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
ROYAL SURREY COUNTY HOSPITAL NHS FOUNDATION TRUST
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Pending review, ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
8 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
The LDR BURST trial will compare the side effects of two radiotherapy treatment options used to cure men with localised prostate cancer. The first treatment option is low dose rate (LDR) brachytherapy. This method uses small radioactive seeds that are inserted into the prostate gland using ultrasound guidance, usually under general anaesthetic, to deliver their radiation to the nearby prostate cancer cells.
Stereotactic radiotherapy (SBRT) is an alternative curative treatment option for men with localised prostate cancer. It is a form of external radiation (radiation delivered from outside the body). Stereotactic radiotherapy uses precise high energy x-rays to target the prostate gland. This treatment is delivered in 5 treatment sessions known as fractions, given as an outpatient.
SBRT has recently been approved by the NHS for prostate cancer following successful results in the International PACE B trial demonstrating it is safe and effective to give external radiotherapy in five treatment sessions. Prior to the PACE trial, external radiotherapy was typically given over 20 sessions.
As part of the trial, participants will have a protective gel, called Barrigel, inserted into the space between the prostate gland and the rectum. Studies have shown that this significantly reduces the dose of radiation to the rectum as there is a bigger gap between the two organs.
There is currently no published randomised control trial data comparing LDR brachytherapy against SBRT for low to intermediate risk prostate cancer with spacer gel treatment. Our trial sets out to compare the side effects of each treatment. We will also be analysing how effective each treatment option is by collecting PSA blood tests for up to 5 years post treatment which correlates with survival data,
REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/LO/0476
Date of REC Opinion
29 Jul 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion