The investigators plan to include both operable and inoperable patients with esophagus cancer in this prospective trial. Since both proton and photon treatments are biologically equivalent, the investigators do not expect a difference in tumor control compared to intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). The investigators have a prospective experience of physician-reported toxicity and patient outcome using IMRT for patients with inoperable esophagus cancer that will serve as a comparison group. For the resectable patients receiving trimodality therapy (chemoradiation followed by surgery), the investigators will carefully track toxicity and patient outcomes prospectively. The central hypothesis is that the biologic efficacy for tumor control should be similar between protons and photons, and therefore survival measures should be similar between the two groups, but that the main difference lies in the total severe toxicities experienced by the patients undergoing therapy.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
22
* The daily prescription dose will be 1.8 or 2 Gy RBE ("Relative Biologic Equivalence") to be delivered to the periphery of the planning target volume (PTV). * The Mevion S-250 Proton Radiation Beam Therapy System will be used.
-Prior to start of therapy, end of chemoradiation (day of end of treatment or up to 1 week after), 8 weeks, 4, 6, 9, and 12-months following end of chemoradiation
Washington University School of Medicine
St Louis, Missouri, United States
Change in Patient-reported Outcomes of PBT for Esophageal Cancer as Measured by the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI)-Plus
The MDASI-Plus is a reliable, validated tool for assessing cancer-related symptoms regardless of therapy or specific cancer diagnosis. Patients are asked to fill out a twenty-seven question inventory. 21 questions ask the patient about the severity of their symptoms with answers ranging from 0=not present to 10=as bad as you can imagine. 6 questions ask the patient about how their symptoms interfered with their life with answers ranging from 0=did not interfere to 10=interfered completely. The higher the score the more severe symptom experience the patient experienced.
Time frame: Baseline, post completion of chemoradiation, 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months
Change in Patient-reported Outcomes of PBT for Esophageal Cancer as Measured by the EuroQol (EQ-5D) Questionnaire
The EQ-5D is a standardized 2-part, patient-administered instrument used for direct and indirect assessment of health state utilities. The first part asks respondents to "check the ONE box \[next to the appropriate statement\] that best describes your health TODAY" for each of 5 health dimensions, including mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression. The second part of the EQ-5D is a visual analogue scale (VAS) valuing current health state. Both the 5-item index score and the VAS score are transformed into a utility score between 0 "Worst health state" and 1 "Best health state. The higher the score the better health a patient experienced.
Time frame: Baseline, post completion of chemoradiation, 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months
Change in Patient-reported Outcomes of PBT for Esophageal Cancer as Measured by the Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) Social Support Survey
The 19-item MOS Social Support Survey was designed for use with patients with chronic diseases and measures how often different kinds of support are available, if needed. Response choices range from "none of the time" (1) to "all of the time" (5). A mean social support score for all 19 items is computed to a 0-100 scale with higher scores indicating a greater availability of social support.
Time frame: Baseline, post completion of chemoradiation, 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months
Change in Patient-reported Outcomes of PBT for Esophageal Cancer as Measured by the 4-Item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D)
The CES-D questionnaire is a 20-item measure which evaluates depressive symptoms. This trial will make use of the validated 4-item screening version in order to reduce participant burden. Possible range of scores is 0-60, with the higher scores indicating the presence of more symptomatology.
Time frame: Baseline, post completion of chemoradiation, 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months
Change in Patient-reported Outcomes of PBT for Esophageal Cancer as Measured by the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI)-Plus
The MDASI-Plus is a reliable, validated tool for assessing cancer-related symptoms regardless of therapy or specific cancer diagnosis. Patients are asked to fill out a twenty-seven question inventory. 21 questions ask the patient about the severity of their symptoms with answers ranging from 0=not present to 10=as bad as you can imagine. 6 questions ask the patient about how their symptoms interfered with their life with answers ranging from 0=did not interfere to 10=interfered completely. The higher the score the more severe symptom experience the patient experienced.
Time frame: Baseline, post completion of chemoradiation, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months
Change in Patient-reported Outcomes of PBT for Esophageal Cancer as Measured by the EuroQol (EQ-5D) Questionnaire
The EQ-5D is a standardized 2-part, patient-administered instrument used for direct and indirect assessment of health state utilities. The first part asks respondents to "check the ONE box \[next to the appropriate statement\] that best describes your health TODAY" for each of 5 health dimensions, including mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression. The second part of the EQ-5D is a visual analogue scale (VAS) valuing current health state. Both the 5-item index score and the VAS score are transformed into a utility score between 0 "Worst health state" and 1 "Best health state. The higher the score the better health a patient experienced.
Time frame: Baseline, post completion of chemoradiation, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months
Change in Patient-reported Outcomes of PBT for Esophageal Cancer as Measured by the Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) Social Support Survey
The 19-item MOS Social Support Survey was designed for use with patients with chronic diseases and measures how often different kinds of support are available, if needed. Response choices range from "none of the time" (1) to "all of the time" (5). A mean social support score for all 19 items is computed to a 0-100 scale with higher scores indicating a greater availability of social support.
Time frame: Baseline, post completion of chemoradiation, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months
Change in Patient-reported Outcomes of PBT for Esophageal Cancer as Measured by the 4-Item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D)
The CES-D questionnaire is a 20-item measure which evaluates depressive symptoms. This trial will make use of the validated 4-item screening version in order to reduce participant burden. Possible range of scores is 0-60, with the higher scores indicating the presence of more symptomatology.
Time frame: Baseline, post completion of chemoradiation, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months
Physician-reported Toxicity of PBT for Esophageal Cancer
Number of participants with grade 3 or higher specific cardiac, metabolism/nutrition, gastrointestinal, respiratory/thoracic/mediastinal, and skin/subcutaneous toxicity using NCI Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 4.03 related to PBT
Time frame: Through 6 months following chemoradiation (estimated to be 9 months)
Change in Patient-reported Outcomes of PBT for Esophageal Cancer as Measured by the SF-12 Questionnaire - Mental Component Score
The SF-12 will be measured at each of 7 interviews, and mental and physical component scores will be calculated in addition to calculating the measure's eight individual subscales (physical functioning, social functioning, role limitations due to physical problems, body pain, general health, role limitations due to emotional problems general health, vitality, and mental health). Higher scores indicate better quality of life. MCS scores from the SF-12 are recoded, weighted, and summed, and standardized by the SF-12 scoring procedure. SF-12 is a licensed product and this procedure is implemented in the QualityMetric PRO CoRE software package. MCS range is 40-65.
Time frame: Baseline, post completion of chemoradiation, 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months
Change in Patient-reported Outcomes of PBT for Esophageal Cancer as Measured by the SF-12 Questionnaire - Physical Component Score
The SF-12 will be measured at each of 7 interviews, and mental and physical component scores will be calculated in addition to calculating the measure's eight individual subscales (physical functioning, social functioning, role limitations due to physical problems, body pain, general health, role limitations due to emotional problems general health, vitality, and mental health). Higher scores indicate better quality of life. PCS scores from the SF-12 are recoded, weighted, and summed, and standardized by the SF-12 scoring procedure. SF-12 is a licensed product and this procedure is implemented in the QualityMetric PRO CoRE software package. PCS range is 30-55.
Time frame: Baseline, post completion of chemoradiation, 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months
Change in Patient-reported Outcomes of PBT for Esophageal Cancer as Measured by the SF-12 Questionnaire - Physical Component Score
The SF-12 will be measured at each of 7 interviews, and mental and physical component scores will be calculated in addition to calculating the measure's eight individual subscales (physical functioning, social functioning, role limitations due to physical problems, body pain, general health, role limitations due to emotional problems general health, vitality, and mental health). Higher scores indicate better quality of life. PCS scores from the SF-12 are recoded, weighted, and summed, and standardized by the SF-12 scoring procedure. SF-12 is a licensed product and this procedure is implemented in the QualityMetric PRO CoRE software package. PCS range is 30-55.
Time frame: Baseline, post completion of chemoradiation, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months
Change in Patient-reported Outcomes of PBT for Esophageal Cancer as Measured by the SF-12 Questionnaire - Mental Component Score
The SF-12 will be measured at each of 7 interviews, and mental and physical component scores will be calculated in addition to calculating the measure's eight individual subscales (physical functioning, social functioning, role limitations due to physical problems, body pain, general health, role limitations due to emotional problems general health, vitality, and mental health). Higher scores indicate better quality of life. MCS scores from the SF-12 are recoded, weighted, and summed, and standardized by the SF-12 scoring procedure. SF-12 is a licensed product and this procedure is implemented in the QualityMetric PRO CoRE software package. MCS range is 40-65.
Time frame: Baseline, post completion of chemoradiation, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months
Change in Patient-reported Outcomes of PBT for Esophageal Cancer as Measured by the SF-12 Questionnaire - General Health Score
The SF-12 will be measured at each of 7 interviews, and mental and physical component scores will be calculated in addition to calculating the measure's eight individual subscales (physical functioning, social functioning, role limitations due to physical problems, body pain, general health, role limitations due to emotional problems general health, vitality, and mental health). Lower mean scores indicate better quality of life. The subscales are calculated by recoding and averaging the raw scores (Likert scales) the questions associated with the subscale. Range of 1-5.
Time frame: Baseline, post completion of chemoradiation, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months
Change in Patient-reported Outcomes of PBT for Esophageal Cancer as Measured by the SF-12 Questionnaire - Physical Function Score
The SF-12 will be measured at each of 7 interviews, and mental and physical component scores will be calculated in addition to calculating the measure's eight individual subscales (physical functioning, social functioning, role limitations due to physical problems, body pain, general health, role limitations due to emotional problems general health, vitality, and mental health). Higher mean scores indicate better quality of life. The subscales are calculated by recoding and averaging the raw scores (Likert scales) the questions associated with the subscale. Range of 1-3.
Time frame: Baseline, post completion of chemoradiation, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months
Change in Patient-reported Outcomes of PBT for Esophageal Cancer as Measured by the SF-12 Questionnaire - Physical Role Score
The SF-12 will be measured at each of 7 interviews, and mental and physical component scores will be calculated in addition to calculating the measure's eight individual subscales (physical functioning, social functioning, role limitations due to physical problems, body pain, general health, role limitations due to emotional problems general health, vitality, and mental health). Higher mean scores indicate better quality of life. The subscales are calculated by recoding and averaging the raw scores (Likert scales) the questions associated with the subscale. Range of 1-2.
Time frame: Baseline, post completion of chemoradiation, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months
Change in Patient-reported Outcomes of PBT for Esophageal Cancer as Measured by the SF-12 Questionnaire - Emotional Role Score
The SF-12 will be measured at each of 7 interviews, and mental and physical component scores will be calculated in addition to calculating the measure's eight individual subscales (physical functioning, social functioning, role limitations due to physical problems, body pain, general health, role limitations due to emotional problems general health, vitality, and mental health). Higher mean scores indicate better quality of life. The subscales are calculated by recoding and averaging the raw scores (Likert scales) the questions associated with the subscale. Range of 1-2.
Time frame: Baseline, post completion of chemoradiation, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months
Change in Patient-reported Outcomes of PBT for Esophageal Cancer as Measured by the SF-12 Questionnaire - Bodily Pain Score
The SF-12 will be measured at each of 7 interviews, and mental and physical component scores will be calculated in addition to calculating the measure's eight individual subscales (physical functioning, social functioning, role limitations due to physical problems, body pain, general health, role limitations due to emotional problems general health, vitality, and mental health). Lower mean scores indicate better quality of life. The subscales are calculated by recoding and averaging the raw scores (Likert scales) the questions associated with the subscale. Range of 1-5.
Time frame: Baseline, post completion of chemoradiation, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months
Change in Patient-reported Outcomes of PBT for Esophageal Cancer as Measured by the SF-12 Questionnaire - Mental Health Score
The SF-12 will be measured at each of 7 interviews, and mental and physical component scores will be calculated in addition to calculating the measure's eight individual subscales (physical functioning, social functioning, role limitations due to physical problems, body pain, general health, role limitations due to emotional problems general health, vitality, and mental health). Lower mean scores indicate better quality of life. The subscales are calculated by recoding and averaging the raw scores (Likert scales) the questions associated with the subscale. Range of 1-6.
Time frame: Baseline, post completion of chemoradiation, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months
Change in Patient-reported Outcomes of PBT for Esophageal Cancer as Measured by the SF-12 Questionnaire - Vitality Health Score
The SF-12 will be measured at each of 7 interviews, and mental and physical component scores will be calculated in addition to calculating the measure's eight individual subscales (physical functioning, social functioning, role limitations due to physical problems, body pain, general health, role limitations due to emotional problems general health, vitality, and mental health). Lower mean scores indicate better quality of life. The subscales are calculated by recoding and averaging the raw scores (Likert scales) the questions associated with the subscale. Range of 1-6.
Time frame: Baseline, post completion of chemoradiation, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months
Change in Patient-reported Outcomes of PBT for Esophageal Cancer as Measured by the SF-12 Questionnaire - Social Functioning Score
The SF-12 will be measured at each of 7 interviews, and mental and physical component scores will be calculated in addition to calculating the measure's eight individual subscales (physical functioning, social functioning, role limitations due to physical problems, body pain, general health, role limitations due to emotional problems general health, vitality, and mental health). Higher mean scores indicate better quality of life. The subscales are calculated by recoding and averaging the raw scores (Likert scales) the questions associated with the subscale. Range of 1-5.
Time frame: Baseline, post completion of chemoradiation, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months
Progression-free Survival (PFS) of Proton Beam Therapy (PBT) for Patients With Resectable
-PFS is defined as the duration of time from start of treatment to time of progression or death, whichever occurs first.
Time frame: 5 years following chemoradiation (estimated to be 5 years and 3 months)
Overall Survival (OS)of PBT for Patients With Resectable Versus Unresectable Esophageal
Time frame: 5 years following chemoradiation (estimated to be 5 years and 3 months)
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.