Spine radiation showdown: one big blast or three small doses?

NCT ID NCT03028337

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether a single large dose of spine radiosurgery works better than three smaller doses for people whose spinal tumors have come back after previous radiation. About 80 adults with solid tumors that spread to the spine will be randomly assigned to one of the two radiation schedules. Researchers will track how long it takes for the tumor to grow back, and whether patients have less pain and better quality of life.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
Spine radiosurgery (radiation therapy)
What this could lead to
If successful, this could show that a single high dose of radiation is as good as or better than multiple smaller doses for controlling spinal tumors and easing pain.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-phase trial with only 80 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Radiation to the spine carries risks like nerve damage or fractures.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

    Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

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