Gonzales

Researchers are comparing two radiation therapy approaches for men with high-risk prostate cancer to see if a shorter treatment duration can prevent cancer recurrence as effectively as the usual longer radiation schedule. This phase III trial evaluates stereotactic body radiation therapy SBRT, which delivers higher doses in five treatments over two weeks, against standard external beam radiation therapy EBRT, which involves 20 to 45 treatments over 4 to 9 weeks. The study includes men with specific high-risk features and uses advanced imaging to assess outcomes. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group receives SBRT, involving five precise radiation treatments over two weeks, while the other group receives EBRT with 20 to 45 treatments over 4 to 9 weeks. Both groups undergo imaging tests such as bone scans, CT, MRI, or PETCT during screening and on study. Optional blood and urine samples may be collected during the trial. During the study, participants are followed every six months for up to five years to monitor metastasis-free survival, treatment effects on urinary, bowel, and sexual functions, fatigue, and overall quality of life. Various patient questionnaires and physician assessments track side effects and treatment burden. The trial also includes long-term evaluations of survival and disease progression, with imaging and laboratory tests supporting these assessments.

Researchers are comparing two treatment approaches for patients with high-grade T1 non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. This phase II trial evaluates pembrolizumab combined with radiation therapy against standard chemotherapy regimens plus radiation. Pembrolizumab is an immunotherapy drug that may help the immune system attack cancer cells, while chemotherapy drugs work to kill or stop tumor cells from growing and spreading. Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays or particles to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. One group receives chemotherapy chosen by their doctor, which may include cisplatin, gemcitabine, or a combination of mitomycin and 5-fluorouracil, along with radiation therapy delivered over 4 to 7 weeks. The other group receives pembrolizumab infusions every 6 weeks for up to 9 cycles, also combined with radiation therapy over the same period. Both groups undergo imaging scans and blood tests during treatment, with optional urine samples collected. After finishing treatment, participants are followed regularly for up to 10 years, with more frequent check-ups in the first 2 years and less frequent visits afterward. The study measures bladder-intact event-free survival and quality of life over 5 years, along with assessing tumor response, disease control, survival rates, side effects, fatigue, and other quality of life factors. Researchers aim to understand the long-term effects of these treatments and monitor patient safety throughout the study.