In a groundbreaking move, the Edinburgh Cancer Centre has embarked on a pioneering study known as the Precision Study, aiming to revolutionise prostate cancer treatment by significantly reducing the number of radiation sessions required. This innovative approach involves treating patients with just three radiation doses, leveraging the cutting-edge Raypilot System to ensure precise motion control and minimize side effects. The study is part of a broader effort to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life, building on the success of previous research that has shown the efficacy of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) in treating localized prostate cancer.
The Pace-B study, published in 2024, marked a significant milestone in prostate cancer treatment by demonstrating that SBRT, administered in five sessions, is as effective as traditional radiotherapy, which often requires 20 to 40 sessions. This breakthrough not only reduced the treatment duration from several weeks to just a few days but also showed comparable cancer control rates and tolerability. The success of the Pace-B study laid the groundwork for further innovation, inspiring researchers to push the boundaries of what is possible in cancer treatment.
The Precision Study takes the next step by exploring whether three radiation sessions can achieve similar results to five, with a focus on maintaining or even reducing side effects. Led by Professor Duncan McLaren at the Edinburgh Cancer Centre, this study involves 100 patients across multiple clinics in Europe and the US. The Raypilot System plays a crucial role, enabling real-time monitoring of organ movement and allowing for urethra-sparing techniques that enhance treatment precision and safety.
“The goal of the Precision Study is to ensure that treatment with three radiation doses does not lead to greater side effects than those observed in the Pace-B study. I am confident that we can demonstrate effective cancer treatment with less side effects,” says Professor McLaren.
“Our customers are interested in developing and improving healthcare, always with patient quality of life in focus. At the same time, healthcare providers across the Western world are striving to reduce treatment times and enhance both quality and efficiency. This study could contribute to such progress, benefiting all stakeholders—healthcare providers reduce costs while improving care, and patients gain a better quality of life,” says Thomas Lindström, MD at Micropos Medical AB, the company behind the Raypilot System.
Key Features of the Precision Study:
- Reduced Treatment Sessions: Patients receive only three radiation doses, potentially streamlining treatment further than the five sessions used in SBRT.
- Advanced Technology: The Raypilot System ensures accurate motion control, reducing the risk of side effects by allowing tighter radiation margins and real-time monitoring of prostate movement.
- Improved Patient Outcomes: The study aims to improve patient quality of life by minimizing side effects and enhancing treatment convenience.
- Collaborative Effort: Researchers from various clinics are working together to advance healthcare, focusing on patient-centered care and efficiency.
The Raypilot System is an electromagnetic positioning system designed to continuously localize the prostate during radiation therapy. It includes a transmitter that tracks prostate tumour movements in real-time 3D, allowing for precise targeting and minimizing the risk of damaging surrounding healthy tissue. This technology is crucial for enabling higher radiation doses and shorter treatment durations, making it a valuable tool in the Precision Study.
Benefits of the Raypilot System:
- Real-Time Monitoring: Continuous tracking of prostate movement ensures accurate radiation delivery.
- Urethra-Sparing Techniques: Reduces radiation exposure to the urethra, minimizing potential side effects.
- Tighter Radiation Margins: Enhances treatment precision, allowing for higher doses with reduced risk to surrounding tissues.
While the Precision Study holds great promise, it also presents several challenges. The first conclusions from the study are expected within one to two years, followed by a further five years of patient follow-up. This extended timeline underscores the importance of long-term data in validating the safety and efficacy of new treatments. Additionally, the study must demonstrate that reducing treatment sessions does not compromise cancer control or increase side effects, a critical balance that will be closely monitored.
