A Study of Amifostine for Prevention of Facial Numbness in Radiosurgery Treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia

Overview

Trigeminal neuralgia or tic douloureux is severe, often debilitating, facial pain that significantly impairs the patient's quality of life and health. Stereotactic radiosurgery has been shown to provide pain relief in majority of patients treated. However, a common side effect of radiosurgery is facial numbness. Our goal is to maximize pain control while minimizing side effects. To this end, the purpose of this study is to evaluate whether adding a drug, amifostine, at the time of radiosurgery will protect patients from facial numbness.

Patients will be evaluated by a multi-disciplinary team composed of radiation oncologists and neurosurgeons. Pretreatment pain, neurologic function (including facial numbness), and health related quality of life will be assessed. Patients will be treated in a single session with 75 Gy maximal dose covering a 6 mm segment of the retrogasserian cisternal portion of the trigeminal sensory root. Treatment will be delivered using the CyberKnife Robotic Radiosurgery System with the patient in the supine position. An aquaplast head mask will be used to ensure adequate immobilization during therapy. The target volume shall be the 6 mm segment of the retrogasserian cisternal portion of the trigeminal sensory root. Patients will receive subcutaneous injection of amifostine (500 mg) or placebo 30 minutes +/- 30 minutes prior to SRS. Facial pain will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale and Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire. Following SRS, patients will be followed at 1, 3, 6, and 9 months ±7 days. Facial numbness will be assessed using the Barrow Neurologic Institute (BNI) Facial Numbness Score. Patient reported BNI facial numbness scoring and complete cranial nerve exam by a physician will be performed pre-treatment and at follow-up visits.

Conditions

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Eligibility

Locations (1)

Outcomes