SPARE: scalp sparing radiotherapy treatment to the whole brain
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating the efficacy of scalp sparing radiotherapy treatment to the whole brain: examining the effect of hair loss and re-growth.
IRAS ID
174177
Contact name
Lynsey Rice
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
HCA International
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
A brain metastasis (BM) is a cancer that had spread to the brain from another location in the body. BMs occur in up to 45% of all cancer patients, and whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) is commonly prescribed as treatment. Two forms of WBRT offered to patients at The Harley Street Clinic are parallel opposed direct laterals and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT or “Rapid Arc” which is the scalp sparing radiotherapy treatment referred to in the study title). Parallel opposed direct laterals involves treating the brain with two static radiation beams to either side of the brain, whereas VMAT involves radiation being delivered as the machine moves in a 360 degree arc around the brain. Both forms of WBRT deliver the same dose of radiation to the patient.
Loss of hair is a common side effect of radiotherapy, and total hair loss is expected in 100% of patients receiving parallel opposed direct laterals. It is theorised that VMAT may reduce the level of hair loss, or where hair loss occurs, it will be less patchy, because VMAT enables dose manipulation which can be designed to reduce the radiation dose received by the hair follicles in the scalp.
In view of the recognised reduction in quality of life associated with both clinically apparent and clinically imperceptible hair loss, oncologists are keen to minimise hair loss resulting from WBRT.In order to be eligible, study participants will be receiving VMAT as part of their routine oncology treatment.
This observational study will assess hair loss and re-growth for patients receiving VMAT, via photographic assessment by independent professionals and short patient telephone interviews up to 16 weeks post of end of treatment.
REC name
London - Hampstead Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/0515
Date of REC Opinion
30 Apr 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion