Spatially Fractionated Radiotherapy Versus Conventional Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Soft Tissue Sarcoma

NCT06980259 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: SDZLEC2025-075-02
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 106
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study is a multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled phase II clinical trial designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Spatially Fractionated Radiation Therapy (SFRT) compared to Conventional Radiation Therapy (CRT) in the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma (STS, minimum tumor diameter ≥5 cm). A total of 106 patients were enrolled and randomized in a 1:1 ratio. The primary endpoint is the objective response rate (ORR) of the target lesion at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-radiotherapy, assessed using RECIST 1.1 and Choi criteria. Secondary endpoints include the 1-year local control rate (LC) of the target lesion, progression-free survival (PFS), safety (per CTCAE v5.0), and quality of life (QoL, assessed by EORTC QLQ-C30). CRT is delivered at 3.0 Gy per fraction for a total of 15-20 fractions. SFRT comprises CRT at 3.0 Gy per fraction for 15-20 fractions, augmented by weekly high-dose vertices of 8-15 Gy per fraction for 3-4 fractions, aiming to enhance tumor control and potentially stimulate immune responses. This study is a multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled phase II clinical trial designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Spatially Fractionated Radiation Therapy (SFRT) compared to Conventional Radiation Therapy (CRT) in the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma (STS, minimum tumor diameter ≥5 cm). A total of 106 patients were enrolled and randomized in a 1:1 ratio. The primary endpoint is the objective response rate (ORR) of the target lesion at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-radiotherapy, assessed using RECIST 1.1 and Choi criteria. Secondary endpoints include the 1-year local control rate (LC) of the target lesion, progression-free survival (PFS), safety (per CTCAE v5.0). CRT is delivered at 3.0 Gy per fraction for a total of 15-20 fractions. SFRT comprises CRT at 3.0 Gy per fraction for 15-20 fractions, augmented by weekly high-dose vertices of 8-15 Gy per fraction for 3-4 fractions, aiming to enhance tumor control and potentially stimulate immune responses.

Conditions

Soft Tissue Sarcoma (STS)

Keywords

Soft Tissue Sarcoma; Spatially Fractionated Radiotherapy; Objective Response Rate; Conventional Radiotherapy

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Objective Response Rate (ORR)

  The objective response rate (ORR) is defined as the proportion of patients with soft tissue sarcoma target lesions achieving complete response (CR) or partial response (PR) at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-radiotherapy, evaluated according to RECIST 1.1 and Choi criteria. Per RECIST 1.1, CR is defined as the complete disappearance of all target lesions, and PR is defined as a ≥30% reduction in the sum of the diameters of target lesions. Per Choi criteria, CR is defined as the complete disappearance of all target lesions, and PR is defined as a ≥10% reduction in the sum of the diameters of target lesions or a ≥15% decrease in tumor density (Hounsfield Units, HU) on CT scans.

  3、6、9、12months

Secondary Outcomes (3)

• Safety Assessment

  1 year

• Local Control Rate（LC)

  1year

• Progression-Free Survival （PFS)

  1 year

Study Arms (2)

Spatially Fractionated Radiotherapy (SFRT) Group

EXPERIMENTAL

SFRT builds on CRT, administered at 3.0 Gy per fraction for 15-20 fractions, with the addition of weekly high-dose vertices of 8-15 Gy per fraction for 3-4 fractions. It utilizes Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Intensity-Modulated Proton Therapy (IMPT), or Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) to create a grid-like pattern of alternating high- and low-dose regions.

Radiation: Spatially Fractionated Radiotherapy

Conventional Radiotherapy (CRT) Group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

CRT is delivered at 3.0 Gy per fraction for a total of 15-20 fractions, utilizing Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) or Intensity-Modulated Proton Therapy (IMPT) techniques, ensuring a target volume dose coverage of at least 90%.

Radiation: Conventional Radiotherapy

Interventions

Conventional Radiotherapy RADIATION

CRT is delivered at 3.0 Gy per fraction for a total of 15-20 fractions, utilizing Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) or Intensity-Modulated Proton Therapy (IMPT) techniques, ensuring a target volume dose coverage of at least 90%. Target volume delineation includes the gross tumor volume (GTV), clinical target volume (CTV, expanded 0.5-1.0 cm from GTV), and planning target volume (PTV, expanded 1.0 cm from CTV). Prior to each treatment session, cone-beam CT (CBCT) or kilovoltage cone-beam CT (kV-CBCT) is used for Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) to verify patient positioning.

Conventional Radiotherapy (CRT) Group

Spatially Fractionated Radiotherapy RADIATION

SFRT builds on CRT, administered at 3.0 Gy per fraction for 15-20 fractions, with the addition of weekly high-dose vertices of 8-15 Gy per fraction for 3-4 fractions. It employs Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Intensity-Modulated Proton Therapy (IMPT), or Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) to create a grid-like pattern of alternating high- and low-dose regions. Target volume delineation includes the gross tumor volume (GTV), clinical target volume (CTV, expanded 0.5-1.0 cm from GTV), and planning target volume (PTV, expanded 1.0 cm from CTV). Prior to each treatment session, cone-beam CT (CBCT) or kilovoltage cone-beam CT (kV-CBCT) is used for Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) to verify patient positioning.

Spatially Fractionated Radiotherapy (SFRT) Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 70 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• \. Age 18-70 years, irrespective of gender. 2. Pathologically or clinically confirmed diagnosis of soft tissue sarcoma. 3. Minimum tumor diameter ≥5 cm. 4. Receiving systemic treatment as per multidisciplinary team (MDT) recommendations.
• \. Measurable lesion (per RECIST 1.1/Choi criteria: longest diameter \>1.5 cm, or \>1 cm with two measurable perpendicular diameters).
• \. ECOG performance status ≤2. 7. Expected survival ≥3 months. 8. Normal liver, kidney, lung, and cardiac function, with tolerance for treatment.
• \. Patients of childbearing potential agree to use reliable contraception during treatment and for one year thereafter.
• \. Voluntary provision of signed informed consent.

You may not qualify if:

• (1) Patients with a second primary malignancy. (2) Diagnosis of aggressive fibromatosis or rhabdomyosarcoma. (3) Prior radiotherapy to the target lesion. (4) Tumor unsuitable for radiotherapy. (5) Severe liver, kidney, lung, or cardiac dysfunction, precluding tolerance to systemic therapy or radiotherapy.
• (6) Other severe medical conditions that may impact the study (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, gastric ulcers, or other serious cardiopulmonary diseases).
• (7) Severe or uncontrolled infections, or active autoimmune diseases. (8) Clinically evident central nervous system dysfunction. (9) Pregnant or lactating women, or women of childbearing potential not using contraception.
• (10) Other conditions deemed unsuitable for participation by the investigator.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute: lead

Study Sites (1)

Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute

Jinan, Shandong, 0531, China

RECRUITING

Related Publications (16)

• Xu P, Wang S, Zhou J, Yuan K, Wang X, Li L, Lang J, Lu S. Spatially fractionated radiotherapy (Lattice SFRT) in the palliative treatment of locally advanced bulky unresectable head and neck cancer. Clin Transl Radiat Oncol. 2024 Jul 30;48:100830. doi: 10.1016/j.ctro.2024.100830. eCollection 2024 Sep.

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• Moghaddasi L, Reid P, Bezak E, Marcu LG. Radiobiological and Treatment-Related Aspects of Spatially Fractionated Radiotherapy. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Mar 20;23(6):3366. doi: 10.3390/ijms23063366.

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• Billena C, Khan AJ. A Current Review of Spatial Fractionation: Back to the Future? Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2019 May 1;104(1):177-187. doi: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2019.01.073. Epub 2019 Jan 23.

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• Yang JC, Chang AE, Baker AR, Sindelar WF, Danforth DN, Topalian SL, DeLaney T, Glatstein E, Steinberg SM, Merino MJ, Rosenberg SA. Randomized prospective study of the benefit of adjuvant radiation therapy in the treatment of soft tissue sarcomas of the extremity. J Clin Oncol. 1998 Jan;16(1):197-203. doi: 10.1200/JCO.1998.16.1.197.

  PMID: 9440743 BACKGROUND

• Siegel RL, Miller KD, Jemal A. Cancer statistics, 2020. CA Cancer J Clin. 2020 Jan;70(1):7-30. doi: 10.3322/caac.21590. Epub 2020 Jan 8.

  PMID: 31912902 BACKGROUND

• Yan W, Khan MK, Wu X, Simone CB 2nd, Fan J, Gressen E, Zhang X, Limoli CL, Bahig H, Tubin S, Mourad WF. Spatially fractionated radiation therapy: History, present and the future. Clin Transl Radiat Oncol. 2019 Oct 22;20:30-38. doi: 10.1016/j.ctro.2019.10.004. eCollection 2020 Jan. No abstract available.

  PMID: 31768424 BACKGROUND

• Owen D, Harmsen WS, Ahmed SK, Petersen IA, Haddock MG, Ma DJ, Pulsipher S, Corbin KS, Lester SC, Park SS, Deufel CL, Kavanaugh JA, Grams MP. Highs and Lows of Spatially Fractionated Radiation Therapy: Dosimetry and Clinical Outcomes. Pract Radiat Oncol. 2025 Jul-Aug;15(4):e388-e395. doi: 10.1016/j.prro.2024.12.002. Epub 2024 Dec 24.

  PMID: 39725127 BACKGROUND

• Grams MP, Deufel CL, Kavanaugh JA, Corbin KS, Ahmed SK, Haddock MG, Lester SC, Ma DJ, Petersen IA, Finley RR, Lang KG, Spreiter SS, Park SS, Owen D. Clinical aspects of spatially fractionated radiation therapy treatments. Phys Med. 2023 Jul;111:102616. doi: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2023.102616. Epub 2023 Jun 11.

  PMID: 37311338 BACKGROUND

• Crombe A, Kind M, Fadli D, Miceli M, Linck PA, Bianchi G, Sambri A, Spinnato P. Soft-tissue sarcoma in adults: Imaging appearances, pitfalls and diagnostic algorithms. Diagn Interv Imaging. 2023 May;104(5):207-220. doi: 10.1016/j.diii.2022.12.001. Epub 2022 Dec 23.

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• Oberoi S, Choy E, Chen YL, Scharschmidt T, Weiss AR. Trimodality Treatment of Extremity Soft Tissue Sarcoma: Where Do We Go Now? Curr Treat Options Oncol. 2023 Apr;24(4):300-326. doi: 10.1007/s11864-023-01059-2. Epub 2023 Mar 6.

  PMID: 36877374 BACKGROUND

• Hoefkens F, Dehandschutter C, Somville J, Meijnders P, Van Gestel D. Soft tissue sarcoma of the extremities: pending questions on surgery and radiotherapy. Radiat Oncol. 2016 Oct 12;11(1):136. doi: 10.1186/s13014-016-0668-9.

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• O'Sullivan B, Davis AM, Turcotte R, Bell R, Catton C, Chabot P, Wunder J, Kandel R, Goddard K, Sadura A, Pater J, Zee B. Preoperative versus postoperative radiotherapy in soft-tissue sarcoma of the limbs: a randomised trial. Lancet. 2002 Jun 29;359(9325):2235-41. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(02)09292-9.

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• Spalato-Ceruso M, Ghazzi NE, Italiano A. New strategies in soft tissue sarcoma treatment. J Hematol Oncol. 2024 Sep 2;17(1):76. doi: 10.1186/s13045-024-01580-3.

  PMID: 39218932 BACKGROUND

• Gamboa AC, Gronchi A, Cardona K. Soft-tissue sarcoma in adults: An update on the current state of histiotype-specific management in an era of personalized medicine. CA Cancer J Clin. 2020 May;70(3):200-229. doi: 10.3322/caac.21605. Epub 2020 Apr 10.

  PMID: 32275330 BACKGROUND

• Shang P, Li M, Zhang X, Zhu D, Yue J. Spatially fractionated radiotherapy versus conventional radiotherapy in the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma: A multicenter, prospective, phase II, randomized controlled clinical trial protocol. Precis Radiat Oncol. 2026 Jan 22;10(1):59-64. doi: 10.1002/pro6.70046. eCollection 2026 Mar.

  PMID: 42022357 DERIVED

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Sarcoma

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Neoplasms, Connective and Soft Tissue; Neoplasms by Histologic Type; Neoplasms

Study Officials

• Jinbo Yue, Doctor

  Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Jinbo Yue, Doctor

CONTACT

0531-67626442; jbyue@sdfmu.edu.cn

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Director of Department Radiation Oncology

Model Details: This multicenter, prospective, randomized phase II trial compares the efficacy and safety of Spatially Fractionated Radiation Therapy (SFRT) vs. Conventional Radiation Therapy (CRT) in soft tissue sarcoma (STS, tumor diameter ≥5 cm). 106 patients are randomized 1:1. CRT delivers 3.0 Gy/fraction for 15-20 fractions using IMRT or IMPT. SFRT adds weekly high-dose vertices (8-15 Gy/fraction, 3-4 fractions) to CRT, using IMRT, IMPT, or VMAT to create a grid-like dose pattern. Both groups use IGRT for precise target volume (GTV, CTV, PTV) definition. Primary endpoint is ORR at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-radiotherapy (RECIST 1.1/Choi criteria). Secondary endpoints include 1-year LC, PFS, safety (CTCAE v5.0), and QoL (EORTC QLQ-C30).

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 12, 2025
• First Posted: May 20, 2025
• Study Start: May 20, 2025
• Primary Completion (Estimated): May 20, 2027
• Study Completion (Estimated): May 20, 2028
• Last Updated: April 28, 2026

Record last verified: 2025-04

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

CN (1)