Varian Medical Systems Supports Phase III Trial On Lung Cancer Radiosurgery

(RTTNews) - Varian Medical Systems (VAR) said it is supporting a phase III trial comparing outcomes of radiosurgery versus surgical resection for the treatment of early-stage, high-risk, operable non-small cell lung cancer, or NSCLC.

Known as the "Stablemates Trial," the randomized study will test the hypothesis that the 3-year overall survival in high risk operable patients with stage I NSCLC is equivalent or greater in patients who undergo stereotactic ablative radiotherapy or SabR, as compared with conventional sublobar resection or SR surgery.

Led by co-chairs Hiran Fernando, MD, Boston Medical Center, and Robert Timmerman, MD, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, the study currently involves 34 institutions and 258 patients.

"In addition to a potentially longer survival rate, SAbR may benefit some lung cancer patients by offering them a noninvasive, outpatient treatment option that is easier to tolerate and that doesn't interfere greatly with their normal, everyday living activities," said Dr. Timmerman.

The trial, sponsored by the Joint Lung Cancer Trialist's Coalition, is being administered by the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.

Over the next five years, the study will examine patients' overall, disease-free, and regional recurrence-free survival rates three years after treatment, as well as adverse events and post-treatment quality of life measures.