According to preliminary data from a multi-institution Phase III trial led by researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) has demonstrated similar clinical outcomes and significant patient benefits when compared to traditional intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) as part of chemoradiation treatment for patients with oropharyngeal (head and neck) cancer.
The groundbreaking results were unveiled today at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting by Dr. Steven Frank, professor of Radiation Oncology and executive director of the Particle Therapy Institute at MD Anderson.
Key Findings:
- Comparable Progression-Free Survival (PFS): With a median follow-up of three years, IMPT achieved a progression-free survival rate of 83%, which was statistically non-inferior to the 83.5% rate observed with IMRT.
- Reduced Malnutrition: IMPT demonstrated a significant reduction in malnutrition risk. Approximately 24% of patients sustained their nutrition with less than 5% weight loss during treatment, compared to 14% of those receiving IMRT.
- Decreased Feeding-Tube Dependence: IMPT also led to a substantial reduction in feeding-tube dependence. Only 28% of IMPT patients required feeding tubes, compared to 42% in the IMRT group.
Implications for Patient Care:
Dr. Frank emphasised the clinical significance of these findings: “The results of this multi-center Phase III randomised trial provide evidence for IMPT as a new standard-of-care treatment approach for the management of head and neck tumors. This represents a curative, de-intensified option compared to traditional radiation therapy.”
The Science Behind Proton Therapy:
Proton therapy offers both biological and physical advantages over traditional photon-based radiation. Unlike photons, protons have mass and can be precisely stopped within the human body. This allows proton radiation to be delivered specifically to the targeted area, minimising exposure to nearby normal tissues.
The trial, the largest randomised Phase III study to investigate proton therapy versus traditional radiation, underscores the potential of IMPT in advancing cancer treatment options.
