Scalp Sparing Radiotherapy treatment to the Whole Brain. SPARE: V1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating the efficacy of Scalp Sparing Radiotherapy Treatment to the Whole Brain: Examining the Effect on Hair Loss and Re-growth.
IRAS ID
102809
Contact name
Lynsey Rice
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
HCA International
Research summary
Up to 45% of cancer patients require whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) treatment either for metastatic disease control or for prevention as part of their cancer treatment pathway. Unfortunately current WBRT techniques cause 100% hair loss due to the radiation dose being delivered to the hair follicles on the scalp. Using conventional delivery methods current radiation doses delivered to this area temporarily damages the hair follicles causing the hair to fall out. Hair loss is widely reported to be one of the most distressing side effects experienced by a large number of patients. This study aims to use a more complex radiotherapy planning technique, known as Rapid Arc or VMAT (Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy) to treat the whole brain. The radiotherapy treatment in this trial will be planned limiting the dose of radiation to the scalp whilst continuing to deliver the prescribed radiation dose across the whole brain. It is intended to reduce the damage to the hair follicles on the head, minimising hair loss and improving the uniformity and speed of re-growth. The follow up process will include short telephone interviews at 2 weeks, 1, 2, 3, and 4 month intervals after the radiotherapy treatment has finished. These will assess the effectiveness of the treatment in preventing hair loss from the patient’s perspective. Patients will also be required to supply 4 photographs of the scalp, on the day of these scheduled interviews. The photos will be assessed by 2 separate assessors to scale independently hair loss and re-growth against baseline photos which will be taken before any treatment is given. This study will be carried out over 1 year during which time the clinic hope to recruit 20 patients.
REC name
London - West London & GTAC Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/LO/1594
Date of REC Opinion
25 Sep 2014
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion