Campbeltown

Researchers are evaluating the safety and effectiveness of advanced external beam radiotherapy called stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in men with high risk localized prostate cancer. This cancer is limited to the prostate but has a high chance of growing quickly or spreading. The study compares SBRT given to the prostate alone versus SBRT given to both the prostate and surrounding lymph nodes. It is a Phase III trial involving 1128 participants to see which treatment option is better and safer over at least three and a half years of follow-up. Participants receive radiotherapy in 5 visits over two weeks. Half of the men will have SBRT targeted only to the prostate, while the other half will have it directed to both the prostate and pelvic lymph nodes. The treatments are delivered at NHS radiotherapy centers experienced with SBRT and pelvic node radiotherapy. Quality assurance ensures the treatments are administered properly. During the study, men will undergo scans including multi-parametric MRI and various types of PET-CT or MRI to stage their cancer before treatment. Researchers will monitor side effects and cancer outcomes to assess safety and effectiveness. The main outcome measured is the time until biochemical or clinical failure, with a minimum follow-up of 3.5 years after randomization. Participants will be closely followed for side effects and cancer control throughout the study period.

Researchers are evaluating a phase III randomized clinical trial for patients with unilateral malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). The study aims to compare progression-free survival and overall survival between two approaches: proton beam therapy and standard surveillance. Patients will be stratified based on tumor histology, treatment center, tumor side, and time since diagnosis to assess these outcomes. Participants in the experimental group will receive proton beam therapy targeted at the hemithorax, delivering a total dose of 50Gy in 25 daily fractions over five weeks, with an additional boost to 60Gy for visible tumors. The control group will undergo standard care surveillance without immediate treatment, with immunotherapy or chemotherapy offered if disease progression occurs. Both groups will be followed for two years from randomization. During the study, patients will have regular follow-up visits at their local trial sites for assessments including safety, tolerability, quality of life questionnaires, and disease monitoring. The main outcomes measured are progression-free survival and overall survival up to two years. The study plans to recruit 148 patients across 20 UK centers, with additional interim analyses to evaluate treatment efficacy and safety throughout the trial period.