IMMO-LDRT02 is a prospective, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized trial to investigate the clinical efficacy of low dose radiation therapy (LDRT) in the treatment of arthrosis. Newly diagnosed or already existing arthroses of the fingers, wrists, shoulders, knees, ankles and feet will be enclosed. Finally, the evidence of clinical benefit from LDRT (6 x 0.5 Gy) will be compared to the placebo group (6 x 0 Gy), by determination via a visual analog scale and identification of immunological changes.
The prevalence of chronic degenerative and inflammatory disorders, such as osteoarthritis, is constantly rising. As not all patients do respond adequately to the standard therapies, alternative treatment options such as low dose radiation therapy (LDRT) has gained further importance. LDRT is known to induce a long-lasting pain reduction, while having few side effects. Nonetheless, the detailed biological and immunological modes of action remain mostly elusive. In addition, there is a lack in placebo controlled randomised controlled trials (RCTs) proofing the pain-relieving effects of LDRT. So, the prospective, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized IMMO-LDRT02 trial to investigate the clinical efficacy of LDRT in the treatment of arthrosis should close this gap. Newly diagnosed or already existing arthroses of the fingers, wrists, shoulders, knees, ankles and feet will be enclosed. Finally, the evidence of clinical benefit from LDRT (6 x 0.5 Gy) will be compared to the placebo group (6 x 0 Gy), by determination via a visual analog scale (VAS) and identification of immunological changes, which contribute to the success of therapy and are specifically found in the test group (IMMO-LDRT01 trial; ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02653079).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
132
12 times 0.5 Gy
6 times 0.0 Gy
6 times 1.0 Gy
Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen
Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany
RECRUITINGImprovement in general pain (determined by visual analog scale (VAS) score) after LDRT compared to the placebo.
Determination of the general pain level by determining a so-called pain score which is calculated from the parameters pain level (VAS) and pain history (duration, frequency, maximum, quality and occurrence of pain). VAS is determined from 0 (no pain) to 10 (maximum pain). Pain history will also assessed bei an scale from 1 to 10.
Time frame: Day 0 till end of the trial at the distinct time points of end of first LDRT series (day 28), first follow up (day 112), end of second LDRT series (day 140), second follow up (day 224), final follow up (day336).
Identification of immunological changes, which contribute to the success of therapy and are specifically found in the test group.
Longitudinal Immunophenotyping of the patients: Detection of about 30 distinct immune cell (sub)types together with their activation markers during treatment.
Time frame: Day 0 till end of the trial at the distinct time points of end of first LDRT series (day 28), first follow up (day 112), end of second LDRT series (day 140), second follow up (day 224), final follow up (day336).
Evidence of an objectionable clinical benefit of LDRT for finger/wrist osteoarthritis.
Analysis of the pain-free finger and hand force by using finger and hand strength meter.
Time frame: Day 0 till end of the trial at the distinct time points of end of first LDRT series (day 28), first follow up (day 112), end of second LDRT series (day 140), second follow up (day 224), final follow up (day336).
Analysis of the efficacy of LDRT against placebo in modulating patient's well-being.
Determination of disease activity and pain using the international accepted EuroQol Research Foundation questionnaire EQ-5D-5L (IMMOLDRT02/EQ-5D-5L). Scale of EQ-5D-5L is from 5 (perfect well being) to 25 (illness with pain).
Time frame: Day 0 till end of the trial at the distinct time points of end of first LDRT series (day 28), first follow up (day 112), end of second LDRT series (day 140), second follow up (day 224), final follow up (day336).
Analysis of the clinical efficacy of LDRT against placebo in fingers / wrists.
Determination of disease activity and pain in treated Fingers / Wrists using international disease specific questionnaires (AUSCAN score). Scaled on 5-point Likert, 100mm Visual Analog and 11-box Numerical Rating Scales, the AUSCAN™ 3.1 is a valid, reliable and responsive measure of outcome. Scale from 0 (no pain) to 100 (worst pain).
Time frame: Day 0 till end of the trial at the distinct time points of end of first LDRT series (day 28), first follow up (day 112), end of second LDRT series (day 140), second follow up (day 224), final follow up (day336).
Analysis of the clinical efficacy of LDRT against placebo in shoulders.
Determination of disease activity and pain in treated shoulders using international disease specific questionnaires (Oxford Shoulder Questionnaire (OSS). Score from 12 (no trouble) to 60 impossible to do).
Time frame: Day 0 till end of the trial at the distinct time points of end of first LDRT series (day 28), first follow up (day 112), end of second LDRT series (day 140), second follow up (day 224), final follow up (day336).
Analysis of the clinical efficacy of LDRT against placebo in knees.
Determination of disease activity and pain in treated knees using international disease specific questionnaires (Oxford Knee Questionnaire). Score from 12 (no trouble) to 60 impossible to do).
Time frame: Day 0 till end of the trial at the distinct time points of end of first LDRT series (day 28), first follow up (day 112), end of second LDRT series (day 140), second follow up (day 224), final follow up (day336).
Analysis of the clinical efficacy of LDRT against placebo in foot and ankle joints.
Determination of disease activity and pain in treated foot and ankle joints using international disease specific questionnaires (EFAS European Foot and ankle score questionnaire). Score from 0 (no problems) to 40 impossible to do).
Time frame: Day 0 till end of the trial at the distinct time points of end of first LDRT series (day 28), first follow up (day 112), end of second LDRT series (day 140), second follow up (day 224), final follow up (day336).
Documentation and examination of general medication and pain medication.
Collection of patient's drug use by electronic medication diary.
Time frame: From Randomisation (day 0) till end of the trial (day 336), assessed every 7 days from day 0 to day 336..
Investigation of the drop-out rate in the test and control group.
Determination of the patients number changing the group from placebo to treatment group.
Time frame: Fraom day of randomisation (day 0) till patient's independent trial abort or day 336, whichever came first.
Comparison of the two series with single doses 0.5 Gy against one series with single dose 1.0 Gy with regard to pain score reduction and immunological changes
Determination of the general pain level by determining a so-called pain score which is calculated from the parameters pain level (VAS) and pain history (duration, frequency, maximum, quality and occurrence of pain). VAS is determined from 0 (no pain) to 10 (maximum pain). Pain history will also assessed bei an scale from 1 to 10.
Time frame: Day 0 till end of the trial at the distinct time points of end of first LDRT series (day 28), first follow up (day 112), end of second LDRT series (day 140), second follow up (day 224), final follow up (day336).
Modulation-matrix of immune cell function.
After blood collection, immune cells were separated and harvested. Cells are differentiated ex-vivo into mature immune cell sub populations, and their functionality is assessed by staining with surface markers using multicolour flowcytometry. Functionality is described by the amount of differentiable cells.
Time frame: Day 0 till end of the trial at the distinct time points of end of first LDRT series (day 28), first follow up (day 112), end of second LDRT series (day 140), second follow up (day 224), final follow up (day336).
Detection of chromosome aberrations
After blood collection, the immune cells were separated and harvested. The cells are examined ex-vivo for the occurrence of chromosomal aberrations using the multicolour Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) method. The number of chromosomal defects as well as the type is recorded. Comparison is then made with normal human donors as well as the between study groups.
Time frame: Day 0 till end of the trial at the distinct time points of end of first LDRT series (day 28), first follow up (day 112), end of second LDRT series (day 140), second follow up (day 224), final follow up (day336).
Investigation of side effect profile of LDRT
The adverse effects of LDRT is recorded by official questionnaire
Time frame: Day 0 till end of the trial at the distinct time points of end of first LDRT series (day 28), first follow up (day 112), end of second LDRT series (day 140), second follow up (day 224), final follow up (day336).
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