TORPEdO
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A phase III trial of intensity-modulated proton beam therapy versus intensity modulated radiotherapy for multi-toxicity reduction in oropharyngeal cancer
IRAS ID
268843
Contact name
Clare Cruickshank
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The Institute of Cancer Research
Duration of Study in the UK
8 years, 8 months, 30 days
Research summary
The number of cases of cancers arising from the tonsil and back of the tongue is rising worldwide. Even when this type of cancer is large or has spread to lymph nodes in the neck (called locally advanced cancer), it usually responds well to treatment and most people are cured. However, treatment with radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy can cause severe side effects during treatment. In the long-term this has the potential for significant harmful impact on quality of life.
This study includes patients with locally advanced cancers of the tonsil and back of the tongue. It will focus on whether proton beam therapy (a newer form of radiotherapy) can reduce side effects and improve patient-reported quality of life compared with standard radiotherapy (called intensity-modulated radiotherapy). Proton beam therapy can be directed more precisely than standard radiotherapy. This reduces the amount of normal tissue receiving radiation that isn’t wanted. We know from international use of proton beam therapy (e.g. the USA) that it is a safe treatment and is thought to cause less damage to normal tissues.
About 183 patients will take part in the study. Approximately 122 (two thirds) patients will receive proton beam therapy at an NHS proton centre in Manchester or London. The other 61 (one third) patients will receive intensity-modulated radiotherapy at their recruiting cancer centre. The NHS will provide accommodation for the duration of treatment for patients receiving protons and additional funding has been obtained for patient/carer travel costs. Patients will be asked to complete quality of life questionnaires at baseline, during treatment and during 5 years of clinical follow-up, in keeping with routine practice. There are also optional translational studies that patients will be asked to take part in.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/NW/0700
Date of REC Opinion
19 Nov 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion