Dutch National Study to the palliative effect of irradiation comparing two different treatment schemes in Non-Small-Cell-Lung-Cancer (NSCLC)

ISRCTN ISRCTN04886579
DOI https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN04886579
Secondary identifying numbers N/A
Submission date
20/12/2005
Registration date
20/12/2005
Last edited
23/10/2007
Recruitment status
No longer recruiting
Overall study status
Completed
Condition category
Cancer
Prospectively registered
Protocol
Statistical analysis plan
Results
Individual participant data

Plain English summary of protocol

Not provided at time of registration

Contact information

Dr G.W.P.M. Kramer
Scientific

Arnhems Radiotherapeutisch Instituut
Wagnerlaan 47
Arnhem
6815 AD
Netherlands

Phone +31 (0)26 371 2493
Email g.kramer@arnhemrti.nl

Study information

Study designMulticentre, randomsied, active controlled, parallel group trial.
Primary study designInterventional
Secondary study designRandomised controlled trial
Study setting(s)Not specified
Study typeTreatment
Scientific title
Study acronym0G98/009 LUNGTRIAL
Study objectivesThe treatment of Non-Small-Cell-Lung-Cancer (NSCLC) is still a challenge for the oncologist. In the last decade combined modality treatment in stage III and chemotherapy in stage IV improved the survival and quality of life (QOL) in NSCLC patients. Unfortunately a vast majority of patients will not be fit enough to undergo these intensive treatments, and those who underwent chemotherapy as palliative treatment may eventually still suffer from loco-regional complaints.

In general, hemoptysis, chest pain, dysphagia, and dyspnoea can all be effectively palliated with acceptable toxicity with all kinds of different radiation treatment schemes. The effectiveness of these different treatment schemes however varies for each different symptom and is most effective for hemoptysis and chest pain in patients with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) grade status of 2 - 3. Which dose should be given is still controversial.

In the first Medical Research Council (MRC) trial reported in 1991 no differences in palliative effect and in survival were seen between 13 x 3 Gy and 2 x 8.5 Gy. In a second MRC study in 1992 for poor prognostic patients only, no differences in palliation or survival were seen between 10 Gy single dose and 2 x 8.5 Gy. However in a study by Bezjak et al. a difference in survival between 20 Gy in 5 fractions and a 10 Gy single dose was demonstrated in favour of the multi-fractionation treatment. In a group-analysis, however, this survival advantage was not seen in patients with an ECOG score of 2 or more. Later data suggested a survival advantage of 13 x 3 Gy over 2 x 8.5 Gy in patients with good performance status.

For patients in a bad general condition it still has to be proven whether 2 x 8.5 Gy is equally effective as 10 x 3 Gy. Based on these findings radiation oncologists in the Netherlands could not reach consensus on the appropriate fractionation schedule for palliative irradiation of bad prognosis NSCLC patients. The presented study therefore was focused on patients with bad general condition and/or significant weight loss with stage III NSCLC or stage IV patients, not suitable for chemotherapy, comparing 10 x 3 Gy with 2 x 8 Gy.

Purpose:
This multicentre randomised National Study compared the efficacy of 2 x 8 Gy versus our standard 10 x 3 Gy in patients with inoperable stage IIIA/B (with ECOG score 2 - 4 and/or substantial weight loss) and stage IV Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC).

Hypothesis:
We expected both treatment arms to have an equal outcome for palliation as for prognosis, because of the above-mentioned results of the MRC studies.
Ethics approval(s)Ethics approval received from the local medical ethics committee
Health condition(s) or problem(s) studiedNon Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
InterventionPatients were randomised, without stratification, either to the multiple fractionation scheme of 10 x 3 Gy, 4 - 5 times a week, or the hypo fractionation scheme of 2 x 8 Gy, given at day 1 and day 8.

Irradiation was given with two opposing anterior-posterior fields with 6 - 18 MV photon beams. The treatment portals encompassed the tumour with a margin of 1.5 - 2 cm including adjacent pathological lymph nodes. No limitations were set for the Target Volume. Dose calculation was not corrected for tissue inhomogeneities. Co-medication, including corticosteroids and analgetics, and extra oxygen supply were allowed and registered.
Intervention typeOther
Primary outcome measurePalliation of thoracic symptoms measured over 52 weeks after randomisation. A maximum of 33 questionnaires per patient would be sent in case follow-up could be completed. The first questionnaire was given before randomisation, the last questionnaire in the 52nd week after randomisation. Data about effectiveness of the treatment and QOL were based on the Rotterdam Symptom Checklist. Seven symptoms could be scored each on a four point validated scale from 1 (no complaints) to 4 (severe complaints). The baseline total symptom score had to be 8 indicating that the patient had at least one tumour related complaint. The maximum total symptom score could be 28 indicating the patient had all seven complaints in the worst degree. After response the lowest total symptom score could be 7, having no complaints at all. Palliation was defined as a average total score below the baseline score.
Secondary outcome measures1. Toxicity, Quality of Life (QOL), and survival
2. Quality of life was measured using the EuroQol classification system (EQ-5D), consisting of five questions on mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression
3. In addition, information about acute toxicity as nausea, vomiting, and radiation oesophagitis induced dysphagia was collected, based on the of the National Cancer Institute of Canada Expanded Clinical Trials Group (NCIC CTG) Common Toxicity Criteria
4. Patients were also asked to provide information about costs. Together with quality of life data, these data will be published separately in a cost-utility analysis
5. Follow up after 52 weeks was continued by the data manager, who made 3-monthly inquiries after survival of the patient
Overall study start date01/01/1999
Completion date31/05/2002

Eligibility

Participant type(s)Patient
Age groupNot Specified
SexNot Specified
Target number of participants303
Key inclusion criteria1. Diagnosis of NSCLC had to be cytologically or histologically confirmed
2. Tumour stage was IIIA or IIIB in combination with performance status 3 – 4 and/or a weight loss of more than 5% in 3 months or greater than 10% in 6 months prior to diagnosis
3. Stage IV NSCLC, not suitable for chemotherapeutic treatment
4. A minimum total symptom score of 8, indicating a score greater than 1 for at least one of the following complaints caused by the tumour itself:
4.1. Loss of appetite
4.2. Dyspnoea
4.3. Chest pain
4.4. Coughing
4.5. Hemoptysis
4.6. Hoarseness and/or dysphagia
5. Physically and mentally fit enough to participate in the study
Key exclusion criteria1. Superior Vena Cava Syndrome (SVCS) at presentation
2. Prior radiotherapy to the chest and/or other malignant diseases in the past
3. Concurrent chemotherapy
Date of first enrolment01/01/1999
Date of final enrolment31/05/2002

Locations

Countries of recruitment

  • Netherlands

Study participating centre

Arnhems Radiotherapeutisch Instituut,
Arnhem
6815 AD
Netherlands

Sponsor information

Arnhems Radiotherapeutic Institute (ARTI) (The Netherlands)
Research organisation

Wagnerlaan 47
Arnhem
6815 AD
Netherlands

ROR logo "ROR" https://ror.org/048338z54

Funders

Funder type

Industry

The Dutch Health Care Insurance Board (CVZ) (The Netherlands)

No information available

Results and Publications

Intention to publish date
Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to shareNo
IPD sharing plan summaryNot provided at time of registration
Publication and dissemination planNot provided at time of registration
IPD sharing plan

Study outputs

Output type Details Date created Date added Peer reviewed? Patient-facing?
Results article Results 01/05/2005 Yes No