Using targeted radiation techniques, a London doctor is working to spare lung cancer patients from painful side effects that can make it difficult to swallow.
In a clinical trial dubbed PROACTIVE, Lawson Health Research Institute scientist Dr. Alexander Louie uses more precise radiation techniques to reduce the dosage of radiation to the esophagus or ‘swallowing passage’ in those with advanced lung cancer.
Research participants in the clinical trials either receive standard palliative radiation or palliative radiation that uses the new techniques. From there they are monitored for one year after to assess and compare their ability to swallow food and drink, and eat nutritiously.
“By intentionally avoiding the esophagus, we hope to improve quality of life for these patients,” said Louie, who is also a radiation oncologist at the London Regional Cancer Program. “By reducing negative effects to their swallowing passage, we hope to ease pain, build comfort, and allow for a nutritious diet.”
Since launching in late 2016 at the London Health Sciences Centre, the clinical trials have expanded to five centres across Canada.
In addition to examining how much the new radiation techniques improve patient quality of life, researchers will look at how cost-effective it is for the health-care system.
The clinical trials are funded through a Canadian Cancer Society Quality of Life Research Grant.
"Enhancing the quality of life of those living with cancer is an important endeavour,” said Jennifer Wilson, Director of Research Operations at the Canadian Cancer Society. “We know that quality-of-life research has the potential to make a significant impact on the burden of cancer in patients, survivors and caregivers.”
For the study, the Lawson Health Research Institute partnered with the Canadian Pulmonary Radiotherapy Investigators group, a collaborative network of Canadian researchers who coordinate nationwide radiation clinical trials to improve outcomes for lung cancer patients.