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RecruitingNCT06980259Updated Apr 28, 2026

Spatially Fractionated Radiotherapy Versus Conventional Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Soft Tissue Sarcoma

An interventional study of Spatially Fractionated Radiotherapy and Conventional Radiotherapy in Soft Tissue Sarcoma (STS), sponsored by Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute. Recruiting at 1 site in China. Open to participants aged 18 Years to 70 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-04-28.

Sponsored by Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment

From the registry’s dates

  • Started May 2025; still recruiting 1 year 4 months later.
Phase
Not applicable
Study type
Interventional
Enrollment
106
Allocation
Randomized
Ages
18 Years to 70 Years
Sex
All
01

Study summary

This study is a multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled phase II clinical trial designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Spatially Fractionated Radiation Therapy (SFRT) compared to Conventional Radiation Therapy (CRT) in the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma (STS, minimum tumor diameter ≥5 cm). A total of 106 patients were enrolled and randomized in a 1:1 ratio. The primary endpoint is the objective response rate (ORR) of the target lesion at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-radiotherapy, assessed using RECIST 1.1 and Choi criteria. Secondary endpoints include the 1-year local control rate (LC) of the target lesion, progression-free survival (PFS), safety (per CTCAE v5.0), and quality of life (QoL, assessed by EORTC QLQ-C30). CRT is delivered at 3.0 Gy per fraction for a total of 15-20 fractions. SFRT comprises CRT at 3.0 Gy per fraction for 15-20 fractions, augmented by weekly high-dose vertices of 8-15 Gy per fraction for 3-4 fractions, aiming to enhance tumor control and potentially stimulate immune responses.

This study is a multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled phase II clinical trial designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Spatially Fractionated Radiation Therapy (SFRT) compared to Conventional Radiation Therapy (CRT) in the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma (STS, minimum tumor diameter ≥5 cm). A total of 106 patients were enrolled and randomized in a 1:1 ratio. The primary endpoint is the objective response rate (ORR) of the target lesion at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-radiotherapy, assessed using RECIST 1.1 and Choi criteria. Secondary endpoints include the 1-year local control rate (LC) of the target lesion, progression-free survival (PFS), safety (per CTCAE v5.0). CRT is delivered at 3.0 Gy per fraction for a total of 15-20 fractions. SFRT comprises CRT at 3.0 Gy per fraction for 15-20 fractions, augmented by weekly high-dose vertices of 8-15 Gy per fraction for 3-4 fractions, aiming to enhance tumor control and potentially stimulate immune responses.

Read the detailed description

This study is a multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled phase II clinical trial designed to systematically compare the efficacy and safety of Spatially Fractionated Radiation Therapy (SFRT) versus Conventional Radiation Therapy (CRT) in the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma (STS, minimum tumor diameter ≥5 cm). STS is a malignant tumor with low radiosensitivity, and CRT yields limited objective response rates (ORR) and local control rates (LC). The study employs Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Intensity-Modulated Proton Therapy (IMPT), or Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) techniques. CRT is administered at 3.0 Gy per fraction for a total of 15-20 fractions. SFRT builds on CRT at 3.0 Gy per fraction for 15-20 fractions, supplemented by weekly high-dose vertices of 8-15 Gy per fraction for 3-4 fractions, aiming to enhance tumor control and stimulate potential immune responses.

A total of 106 patients will be enrolled and randomized 1:1 into the SFRT and CRT arms (53 patients per arm). The primary endpoint is the ORR of the target lesion at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-radiotherapy, assessed using RECIST 1.1 and Choi criteria. Secondary endpoints include the 1-year LC of the target lesion, progression-free survival (PFS), safety (per CTCAE v5.0).

Eligibility criteria include patients aged 18-70 years, ECOG performance status ≤2, and an expected survival of ≥3 months, excluding those with secondary primary tumors or severe organ dysfunction. Comprehensive baseline assessments (imaging, pathology, and laboratory tests) are conducted before treatment. Toxicity is monitored weekly during treatment, with ≥grade 3 toxicities prompting treatment suspension. Efficacy evaluations are performed at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-radiotherapy, with follow-up scheduled every 3 months in the first year, every 6 months in the second year, and annually thereafter. Statistical analysis is based on a one-sided α=0.05 and β=0.8, anticipating an ORR of 40% for SFRT compared to 15% for CRT.

Through its multicenter design and rigorous evaluation, this study aims to validate whether SFRT can improve ORR in STS, providing scientific evidence to optimize radiotherapy strategies, enhance patient prognosis, and improve QoL. Additionally, it seeks to offer insights into the treatment of other radioresistant tumors.

This study is a multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled phase II clinical trial designed to systematically compare the efficacy and safety of Spatially Fractionated Radiation Therapy (SFRT) versus Conventional Radiation Therapy (CRT) in the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma (STS, minimum tumor diameter ≥5 cm). STS is a malignant tumor with low radiosensitivity, and CRT yields limited objective response rates (ORR) and local control rates (LC). The study employs Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Intensity-Modulated Proton Therapy (IMPT), or Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) techniques. CRT is administered at 3.0 Gy per fraction for a total of 15-20 fractions. SFRT builds on CRT at 3.0 Gy per fraction for 15-20 fractions, supplemented by weekly high-dose vertices of 8-15 Gy per fraction for 3-4 fractions, aiming to enhance tumor control and stimulate potential immune responses.

A total of 106 patients will be enrolled and randomized 1:1 into the SFRT and CRT arms (53 patients per arm). The primary endpoint is the ORR of the target lesion at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-radiotherapy, assessed using RECIST 1.1 and Choi criteria. Secondary endpoints include the 1-year LC of the target lesion, progression-free survival (PFS), safety (per CTCAE v5.0).

Eligibility criteria include patients aged 18-70 years, ECOG performance status ≤2, and an expected survival of ≥3 months, excluding those with secondary primary tumors or severe organ dysfunction. Comprehensive baseline assessments (imaging, pathology, and laboratory tests) are conducted before treatment. Toxicity is monitored weekly during treatment, with ≥grade 3 toxicities prompting treatment suspension. Efficacy evaluations are performed at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-radiotherapy, with follow-up scheduled every 3 months in the first year, every 6 months in the second year, and annually thereafter. Statistical analysis is based on a one-sided α=0.05 and β=0.8, anticipating an ORR of 40% for SFRT compared to 15% for CRT.

Through its multicenter design and rigorous evaluation, this study aims to validate whether SFRT can improve ORR in STS, providing scientific evidence to optimize radiotherapy strategies, enhance patient prognosis, and improve QoL. Additionally, it seeks to offer insights into the treatment of other radioresistant tumors.

02

Conditions studied

  • Soft Tissue Sarcoma (STS)

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Keywords

  • Soft Tissue Sarcoma
  • Spatially Fractionated Radiotherapy
  • Objective Response Rate
  • Conventional Radiotherapy
03

In context

Sarcoma

1,667 studies on the registry are indexed under Sarcoma; 393 are open to participants now.

This study's planned enrollment of 106 is above the median of 40 across 1,283 interventional studies indexed under Sarcoma.

Browse Sarcoma studies →

Lead sponsor

Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute is the lead sponsor of 103 studies on the registry; 36 are open to participants now.

Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.

04

Who can participate

Ages eligible
18 Years to 70 Years
Sexes eligible
All
Accepts healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

  • 1. Age 18-70 years, irrespective of gender. 2. Pathologically or clinically confirmed diagnosis of soft tissue sarcoma. 3. Minimum tumor diameter ≥5 cm. 4. Receiving systemic treatment as per multidisciplinary team (MDT) recommendations.

    5. Measurable lesion (per RECIST 1.1/Choi criteria: longest diameter >1.5 cm, or >1 cm with two measurable perpendicular diameters).

    6. ECOG performance status ≤2. 7. Expected survival ≥3 months. 8. Normal liver, kidney, lung, and cardiac function, with tolerance for treatment.

    9. Patients of childbearing potential agree to use reliable contraception during treatment and for one year thereafter.

    10. Voluntary provision of signed informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

  • (1) Patients with a second primary malignancy. (2) Diagnosis of aggressive fibromatosis or rhabdomyosarcoma. (3) Prior radiotherapy to the target lesion. (4) Tumor unsuitable for radiotherapy. (5) Severe liver, kidney, lung, or cardiac dysfunction, precluding tolerance to systemic therapy or radiotherapy.

    (6) Other severe medical conditions that may impact the study (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, gastric ulcers, or other serious cardiopulmonary diseases).

    (7) Severe or uncontrolled infections, or active autoimmune diseases. (8) Clinically evident central nervous system dysfunction. (9) Pregnant or lactating women, or women of childbearing potential not using contraception.

    (10) Other conditions deemed unsuitable for participation by the investigator.

05

Study design

Phase
Not applicable
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention model
Parallel assignment
Masking
None (open label)
Enrollment
106 participants (estimated)

Study arms

  • Experimental
    Spatially Fractionated Radiotherapy (SFRT) Group

    SFRT builds on CRT, administered at 3.0 Gy per fraction for 15-20 fractions, with the addition of weekly high-dose vertices of 8-15 Gy per fraction for 3-4 fractions. It utilizes Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Intensity-Modulated Proton Therapy (IMPT), or Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) to create a grid-like pattern of alternating high- and low-dose regions.

    Radiation: Spatially Fractionated Radiotherapy

  • Active comparator
    Conventional Radiotherapy (CRT) Group

    CRT is delivered at 3.0 Gy per fraction for a total of 15-20 fractions, utilizing Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) or Intensity-Modulated Proton Therapy (IMPT) techniques, ensuring a target volume dose coverage of at least 90%.

    Radiation: Conventional Radiotherapy

Interventions

  • RadiationSpatially Fractionated Radiotherapy

    SFRT builds on CRT, administered at 3.0 Gy per fraction for 15-20 fractions, with the addition of weekly high-dose vertices of 8-15 Gy per fraction for 3-4 fractions. It employs Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Intensity-Modulated Proton Therapy (IMPT), or Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) to create a grid-like pattern of alternating high- and low-dose regions. Target volume delineation includes the gross tumor volume (GTV), clinical target volume (CTV, expanded 0.5-1.0 cm from GTV), and planning target volume (PTV, expanded 1.0 cm from CTV). Prior to each treatment session, cone-beam CT (CBCT) or kilovoltage cone-beam CT (kV-CBCT) is used for Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) to verify patient positioning.

  • RadiationConventional Radiotherapy

    CRT is delivered at 3.0 Gy per fraction for a total of 15-20 fractions, utilizing Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) or Intensity-Modulated Proton Therapy (IMPT) techniques, ensuring a target volume dose coverage of at least 90%. Target volume delineation includes the gross tumor volume (GTV), clinical target volume (CTV, expanded 0.5-1.0 cm from GTV), and planning target volume (PTV, expanded 1.0 cm from CTV). Prior to each treatment session, cone-beam CT (CBCT) or kilovoltage cone-beam CT (kV-CBCT) is used for Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) to verify patient positioning.

06

What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. Objective Response Rate (ORR)

    The objective response rate (ORR) is defined as the proportion of patients with soft tissue sarcoma target lesions achieving complete response (CR) or partial response (PR) at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-radiotherapy, evaluated according to RECIST 1.1 and Choi criteria. Per RECIST 1.1, CR is defined as the complete disappearance of all target lesions, and PR is defined as a ≥30% reduction in the sum of the diameters of target lesions. Per Choi criteria, CR is defined as the complete disappearance of all target lesions, and PR is defined as a ≥10% reduction in the sum of the diameters of target lesions or a ≥15% decrease in tumor density (Hounsfield Units, HU) on CT scans.

    Time frame: 3、6、9、12months

Secondary outcomes

  1. Safety Assessment

    Adverse events (e.g., skin reactions, tissue fibrosis, organ dysfunction) are monitored during treatment and follow-up in accordance with the CTCAE v5.0 criteria.

    Time frame: 1 year

  2. Local Control Rate(LC)

    The local control rate (LC) is defined as the proportion of patients with no progression of the radiotherapy target lesion (i.e., no local recurrence or tumor enlargement, evaluated according to RECIST 1.1 criteria) one year after radiotherapy.

    Time frame: 1year

  3. Progression-Free Survival (PFS)

    Progression-free survival (PFS) is defined as the time from the start of radiotherapy to either progression of the target lesion (assessed per RECIST 1.1 criteria) or patient death from any cause, whichever occurs first.

    Time frame: 1 year

07

Study locations

1 of 1 sites recruiting
  • Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute
    Jinan, Shandong 0531, China
    Recruiting
08

References and documents

Publications

  • Xu P, Wang S, Zhou J, Yuan K, Wang X, Li L, Lang J, Lu S. Spatially fractionated radiotherapy (Lattice SFRT) in the palliative treatment of locally advanced bulky unresectable head and neck cancer. Clin Transl Radiat Oncol. 2024 Jul 30;48:100830. doi: 10.1016/j.ctro.2024.100830. eCollection 2024 Sep. PubMed 39219705 ↗
  • Moghaddasi L, Reid P, Bezak E, Marcu LG. Radiobiological and Treatment-Related Aspects of Spatially Fractionated Radiotherapy. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Mar 20;23(6):3366. doi: 10.3390/ijms23063366. PubMed 35328787 ↗
  • Billena C, Khan AJ. A Current Review of Spatial Fractionation: Back to the Future? Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2019 May 1;104(1):177-187. doi: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2019.01.073. Epub 2019 Jan 23. PubMed 30684666 ↗
  • Yang JC, Chang AE, Baker AR, Sindelar WF, Danforth DN, Topalian SL, DeLaney T, Glatstein E, Steinberg SM, Merino MJ, Rosenberg SA. Randomized prospective study of the benefit of adjuvant radiation therapy in the treatment of soft tissue sarcomas of the extremity. J Clin Oncol. 1998 Jan;16(1):197-203. doi: 10.1200/JCO.1998.16.1.197. PubMed 9440743 ↗
  • Siegel RL, Miller KD, Jemal A. Cancer statistics, 2020. CA Cancer J Clin. 2020 Jan;70(1):7-30. doi: 10.3322/caac.21590. Epub 2020 Jan 8. PubMed 31912902 ↗
  • Yan W, Khan MK, Wu X, Simone CB 2nd, Fan J, Gressen E, Zhang X, Limoli CL, Bahig H, Tubin S, Mourad WF. Spatially fractionated radiation therapy: History, present and the future. Clin Transl Radiat Oncol. 2019 Oct 22;20:30-38. doi: 10.1016/j.ctro.2019.10.004. eCollection 2020 Jan. No abstract available. PubMed 31768424 ↗
  • Owen D, Harmsen WS, Ahmed SK, Petersen IA, Haddock MG, Ma DJ, Pulsipher S, Corbin KS, Lester SC, Park SS, Deufel CL, Kavanaugh JA, Grams MP. Highs and Lows of Spatially Fractionated Radiation Therapy: Dosimetry and Clinical Outcomes. Pract Radiat Oncol. 2025 Jul-Aug;15(4):e388-e395. doi: 10.1016/j.prro.2024.12.002. Epub 2024 Dec 24. PubMed 39725127 ↗
  • Grams MP, Deufel CL, Kavanaugh JA, Corbin KS, Ahmed SK, Haddock MG, Lester SC, Ma DJ, Petersen IA, Finley RR, Lang KG, Spreiter SS, Park SS, Owen D. Clinical aspects of spatially fractionated radiation therapy treatments. Phys Med. 2023 Jul;111:102616. doi: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2023.102616. Epub 2023 Jun 11. PubMed 37311338 ↗
  • Crombe A, Kind M, Fadli D, Miceli M, Linck PA, Bianchi G, Sambri A, Spinnato P. Soft-tissue sarcoma in adults: Imaging appearances, pitfalls and diagnostic algorithms. Diagn Interv Imaging. 2023 May;104(5):207-220. doi: 10.1016/j.diii.2022.12.001. Epub 2022 Dec 23. PubMed 36567193 ↗
  • Oberoi S, Choy E, Chen YL, Scharschmidt T, Weiss AR. Trimodality Treatment of Extremity Soft Tissue Sarcoma: Where Do We Go Now? Curr Treat Options Oncol. 2023 Apr;24(4):300-326. doi: 10.1007/s11864-023-01059-2. Epub 2023 Mar 6. PubMed 36877374 ↗
  • Hoefkens F, Dehandschutter C, Somville J, Meijnders P, Van Gestel D. Soft tissue sarcoma of the extremities: pending questions on surgery and radiotherapy. Radiat Oncol. 2016 Oct 12;11(1):136. doi: 10.1186/s13014-016-0668-9. PubMed 27733179 ↗
  • Li H, Mayr NA, Griffin RJ, Zhang H, Pokhrel D, Grams M, Penagaricano J, Chang S, Spraker MB, Kavanaugh J, Lin L, Sheikh K, Mossahebi S, Simone CB, Roberge D, Snider JW, Sabouri P, Molineu A, Xiao Y, Benedict SH. Overview and Recommendations for Prospective Multi-institutional Spatially Fractionated Radiation Therapy Clinical Trials. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2024 Jul 1;119(3):737-749. doi: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.12.013. Epub 2023 Dec 17. PubMed 38110104 ↗
  • O'Sullivan B, Davis AM, Turcotte R, Bell R, Catton C, Chabot P, Wunder J, Kandel R, Goddard K, Sadura A, Pater J, Zee B. Preoperative versus postoperative radiotherapy in soft-tissue sarcoma of the limbs: a randomised trial. Lancet. 2002 Jun 29;359(9325):2235-41. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(02)09292-9. PubMed 12103287 ↗
  • Spalato-Ceruso M, Ghazzi NE, Italiano A. New strategies in soft tissue sarcoma treatment. J Hematol Oncol. 2024 Sep 2;17(1):76. doi: 10.1186/s13045-024-01580-3. PubMed 39218932 ↗
  • Gamboa AC, Gronchi A, Cardona K. Soft-tissue sarcoma in adults: An update on the current state of histiotype-specific management in an era of personalized medicine. CA Cancer J Clin. 2020 May;70(3):200-229. doi: 10.3322/caac.21605. Epub 2020 Apr 10. PubMed 32275330 ↗
  • Shang P, Li M, Zhang X, Zhu D, Yue J. Spatially fractionated radiotherapy versus conventional radiotherapy in the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma: A multicenter, prospective, phase II, randomized controlled clinical trial protocol. Precis Radiat Oncol. 2026 Jan 22;10(1):59-64. doi: 10.1002/pro6.70046. eCollection 2026 Mar. PubMed 42022357 ↗

Individual participant data

Plan to share: No

09

Updates

Tracking since Sep 25, 2026
No changes since tracking began. The registry record was last updated on Apr 28, 2026, before this site started recording changes on Sep 25, 2026. Its history is on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
10

Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT06980259
Lead sponsor
Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute
Responsible party
Jinbo Yue (Director of Department Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute) — Principal investigator
First posted
May 20, 2025
Start date
May 20, 2025
Primary completion
May 20, 2027 (estimated)
Completion
May 20, 2028 (estimated)
Last update
Apr 28, 2026

Study contacts

Jinbo Yue, Doctor
Contact
jbyue@sdfmu.edu.cn
0531-67626442
Jinbo Yue, Doctor
principal investigator · Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute

Oversight

Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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