In order to contribute to improve the knowledge about diseases and the development of new treatments,
patients are treated within the framework of clinical studies. Clinical research is the prerequisite for ensuring and further developing high-quality medical care. MedAustron plays an important role in disease- and patient-related research. Patient care does not only include diseases requiring complex treatment, but also rare or complex diseases, using the latest research.
The aim of the registry study is to record all patients who are treated by ion beam therapy at MedAustron in order to document the clinical results (therapy response) and side effects of the therapy (toxicity).
In the course of the registry study, data on routine therapy and disease progression will be collected prospectively and in a standardized manner, as well as acute and late side effects. The resulting data analyses should ensure continuously effective and safe treatment at MedAustron. The registry study will ensure that data of the vast majority of patients (target > 90%) will be collected prospectively in order to document the efficacy and side effects of particle therapy at MedAustron. Secondary objectives are the assessment of quality of life before treatment and its changes during therapy and in the long-term course. In addition, socio-demographic data of patients will be collected in order to investigate the influence of therapy on work ability, employment, social convalescence and rehabilitation.
What is a clinical study?
A clinical study is a systematic collection of patient data that examines the effectiveness and safety of a new medical treatment. A prerequisite is the existence of a clinical trial protocol, also known as study protocol. In addition to the duration of the study, this protocol specifies the criteria for the selection of study participants, which examinations (e.g. blood tests) and procedures (e.g. imaging procedures such as magnetic resonance tomography or computer tomography) are to be carried out, which form of therapy (proton therapy or carbon ion therapy) is to be administered in which dosage, and what kind of medical care will be required after completion of the study. It also describes the outcomes to be measured (endpoints) and the information to be collected. The typical endpoints are the frequencies of side effects probably related to the treatment and thus give evidence about safety, and disease control data, which reveal the effectiveness of the treatment. In the course of a study, more and more information is gained about the treatment method, the risks, how well treatment may or may not work, and how the treatment affects various aspects of life quality. The studies are conducted in accordance with the principles of good clinical practice as prescribed by the authorities in terms of protecting the study participants.
With the two divisions of radiation oncology and medical physics located at MedAustron, the center is also a teaching and research site of the Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences in Krems. The overall aim of the oncological research activities at KL is to use the findings from basic, translational and clinical research directly for the benefit of patients and to advance new individualized treatment procedures in systemic cancer therapy and ultra-precise radiotherapy.
Read more about it here.Do you have any questions about the therapy or procedure? Whatever you want to know, do not hesitate to contact us. We will get back to you within two business days.
Contact Therapy requestIon beam therapy is a form of radiation therapy used to treat cancer. Protons or carbon ions are used – both are charged, massive particles.
Protons are obtained from hydrogen gas H2, carbon ions from carbon dioxide CO2. The physical properties of protons and carbon ions are similar, but carbon ions have a much higher, so-called “biological effectiveness”.
Compared to conventional radiotherapy with photons, particle therapy is able to reduce the radiation exposure of the adjacent healthy tissue and almost completely spare the tissue behind the tumour. Therefore, particle therapy is an ideal treatment for localized tumours in the vicinity of radiosensitive organs. Since strongly growing tissue reacts more sensitively to radiation, proton therapy is particularly suitable for cancer in children and adolescents.
