The "Hyperbaric OxygeN therapy on brEast cancer patients with late radiation toxicity" (HONEY) trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of HBOT on late radiation toxicity in breast cancer patients using the trial within cohorts (TwiCs) design.
Objective: The aim of this study is to assess whether HBOT reduces pain, and improves physical functioning and QoL in breast cancer patients with late radiation toxicity. Study design: Randomized controlled trial, nested within the prospective UMBRELLA breast cancer cohort according to the TWiC's design. UMBRELLA is a prospective cohort study including all breast cancer patients visiting the University Medical Center (UMC) Utrecht department of Radiotherapy. In total 120 patients will be randomized in a ratio of 2:1. Study population: Breast cancer patients participating in the UMBRELLA cohort who have given informed consent to be invited for future research (e.g. cmRCT's), and who have reported symptoms of late radiation toxicity. Intervention: Eligible patients will be referred to the HBO center for a standard HBO treatment. HBOT consists of 30-40 treatment sessions (1 session per day during 5 days per week). During the hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) sessions patients breath in 100% oxygen during 4 times 20 minutes in a hyperbaric chamber. Main study parameters/endpoints: The primary endpoint of this study is patient reported breast/chest wall pain. Secondary endpoints are: physical functioning, QoL cosmetic outcome, physician reported pain and radiation toxicity (according to CTCAE criteria version 4.03, tissue oxygenation previous to HBOT and after HBOT and side-effects of HBOT.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
189
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in a multiperson hyperbaric oxygen chamber. Standard hyperbaric oxygen therapy provided as reimbursed by insurers.
University Medical Center Utrecht
Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
Change in breast/chest wall pain: EORTC QLQ-BR23 questionnaire
The primary endpoint of this study is the difference in proportion of patient-reported breast/chest wall pain grade 3-4 between control and intervention group. Pain is assessed by means of the EORTC QLQ-BR23 questionnaire on a 4-point Likert scale. At baseline all patients have a pain score of 3 or 4 (see inclusion criteria). The proportion of patients with 3-4 at 6 months will be compared between intervention and control group. A higher score indicates more pain.
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months after baseline (i.e. 3 months after HBOT)
Change in patient-reported quality of life: (EORTC QLQ) C30
Quality of life (QoL) measured by European Organisation of Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ) C30. QoL will be scored on a scale of 0-100. A higher score indicates a better outcome. Change in score between baseline and 6 months will be compared between intervention and control group.
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months after baseline (i.e. 3 months after HBOT)
Change in patient-reported late radiation toxicity
Late radiation toxicity is assessed by means of a late radiation toxicity questionnaire (ability to move the arm, (breast) edema, fibrosis) in both control group and intervention group. Change in patient reported late radiation toxicity will be compared between intervention and control group. Late radiation toxicity will be assessed on a 4-point Likert scale. A higher score indicates worse outcomes.
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months after baseline (i.e. 3 months after HBOT)
Physician-reported late radiation toxicity
Assessed by Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 4.03 only in intervention group. CTCAE criteria are assessed on a scale of 0-3.
Time frame: Baseline (prior to HBOT), 3 months after baseline (i.e. after HBOT) and 6 months after baseline (i.e. 3 months after the last HBO session)
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Patient-reported cosmetic outcome
Assessed by means of the breast cancer questionnaire (BREAST-Q) in both control group and intervention group. BREAST-Q scores will be assessed using the BREAST-Q scoring tables.
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months after baseline (i.e. 3 months after HBOT)
Physician-reported cosmetic outcome
Reported by means of medical photograph (cosmetic outcome judged by group of experts and "Breast Cancer Conservative Treatment - cosmetic results" (BCCT.core) program) and with physical examination using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) score v2.0. Physician reported cosmetic outcome will only be assessed in the intervention group.
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months after baseline (i.e. 3 months after HBOT)
Number of participants with side effects of treatment with hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Side effects of HBOT will be monitored using the MacFie classification only in the intervention group.
Time frame: During hyperbaric oxygen treatment sessions and at 3 months after last HBO session
Oxygenation of the skin
Skin oxygenation will be measured prior to HBOT and after last treatment session using transcutaneous oxygen measurement. The contralateral breast will be used as a reference. Only assessed in the intervention group.
Time frame: Baseline and prior to last hyperbaric oxygen session (i.e. 3 months after baseline).