Proton Radiotherapy for Patients With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

The goal of this clinical research study is to learn if escalated/accelerated proton radiotherapy can improve the control of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and decrease side effects. The safety of this treatment will also be studied.

Objectives:

To assess the therapeutic efficacy and toxicities of proton radiotherapy with escalated/accelerated dose for patients with medically inoperable stage I (T1-2, N0,M0) NSCLC.

Primary goals:

1. Improve 2 years progression free survival at the primary site, and
2. reduce acute and chronic toxicity

Secondary goals:

1. Improve disease specific survival at 2 years.
2. Study the potential of pre- and post treatment PET/CT in predicting clinical outcome.
3. Study the role of biomarkers in predicting therapeutic response and toxicities.

A proton beam is made up of charged particles that have a well-defined range of penetration into tissues. How deep it can penetrate is decided by both the beam's energy and the density of the tissue through which it passes. As the proton beam penetrates the body, the particles slow down, and the beam deposits its dose sharply near the end of its range. This is a phenomenon known as the Bragg peak. By adjusting the Bragg peak, the doctor can deliver a full, localized, uniform dose of energy to the treatment site while sparing the surrounding normal tissues. The proton beam is ideal for treatments where organ preservation is very important, such as lung cancer. Researchers know that standard photon radiotherapy is not able to adequately control tumor growth. But unfortunately, it is not possible to increase the dose of photon radiotherapy without also significantly increasing the side effects. In this study, using proton radiotherapy, researchers will increase the dose about 40% higher than standard photon radiotherapy.

Screening Tests

Signing this consent form does not mean that you will be able to take part in this study. You will have "screening tests" to help the doctor decide if you are eligible to take part in this study. The following tests and procedures will be performed before starting treatment on this study:

Your complete medical history will be recorded. You will have a physical exam. Blood (about 4 teaspoons) will be drawn (within 30 days) for the routine blood tests You will have a computed tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET/CT) scan of the chest, an MRI scan or CT of the brain, You will have a lung function test. Women who are able to have children must have a negative blood-pregnancy test. You will have a 4DCT.

Study Drug Administration If you are found to be eligible to take part in this study, you will receive 35 treatments of proton radiotherapy (radiotherapy does not have to start on a Monday but it cannot start on a Friday; usually Monday through Thursday for 7 to 8 weeks). During the treatment, you will lie still on a table for about 30-45 minutes per day in the same position. The proton machine will deliver the dose according to the plan designed by the physician and controlled by a computer. You will not feel, see, or smell anything during the proton beam delivery.

During the treatment, you will be seen by a doctor and research nurse once a week to evaluate possible side effects. You will have a physical exam and you will have a medical history.

You will be taken off study early if the disease gets worse or intolerable side effects occur. After finishing the treatment, follow up is recommended 6 weeks after completion of radiotherapy, required every 3 months (+/-1 month) for two years, then every (+/-1 month) 6 months for three years, and then once a year for 2 years. You will have imaging tests (chest CT or PET scan), lung function test and routine blood tests (about 2 teaspoons) at the follow-up visits. You are allowed to have further chemotherapy or other treatment while you are still in the follow-up on this study. You should discuss chemotherapy with your medical oncologist.

This is an investigational study. Proton radiotherapy is FDA approved for the treatment of lung cancer treatment. Up to 40 patients will take part in this study. All will be enrolled at M. D. Anderson.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Histologically or cytologically documented NSCLC.
2. Patients with inoperable centrally located tumors, defined as those within 2 cm of the bronchial tree, major vessels, esophagus, heart, or other mediastinal structures but no direct invasion, T1N0M0 (stage IA), or any location of T2N0M0 (stage IB) and T3N0M0 (selected stage II with chest wall involvement) NSCLC.
3. Performance score KPS 60-100.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Prior radiotherapy to the chest.
2. Previous or concomitant malignancy other than (a) curatively treated carcinoma in situ of cervix, (b) basal cell carcinoma of the skin, (c) curatively treated superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder, and (d) early stage tumor treated more than 3 years ago for cure.
3. Pregnancy. Patients, both men and women of child bearing potential should use an effective method of birth control throughout their participation in this study.