What the trial was testing
The trial enrolled 43 patients with glioblastoma. The study was sponsored by Mayo Clinic and tracked outcomes across the full group of patients who matched the trial's eligibility profile.
It was mid-stage testing (phase 2/3). Trials at this stage are designed to produce evidence regulators and physicians can act on — not just observations to follow up later.
What the results showed
56% of older adults with glioblastoma were alive at one year with this targeted proton therapy approach.
The Lancet. Oncology · 2024 · NCT03778294
These findings — that over half of older patients survived one year versus typical 6-9 month survival — were published in the The Lancet. Oncology and represent the headline result of the study.
Researchers tracked outcomes across 43 patients enrolled in the trial. The result was consistent enough across the group that the team felt confident reporting it.
What this means for patients
For patients with glioblastoma, this result changes the calculus on what to ask their care team about. Whether it changes day-to-day care depends on factors like disease subtype, prior treatments, and where the patient is in their care journey.
What you can do now
This was a mid-stage study testing a newer approach to radiation therapy for glioblastoma in older adults. The treatment is not yet FDA-approved as a standard option. If you're 65 or older with newly diagnosed glioblastoma, ask your doctor about proton beam therapy availability and whether you might qualify for the follow-up study (NCT05781321) comparing this approach to standard treatment.
Eligibility for the treatments mentioned above depends on specific test results and clinical history. Bring this summary, the trial name, and your most recent labs or pathology report to your next visit.
Open glioblastoma trials
Registry of Patients With Brain Tumors Treated With STaRT (GammaTiles)
The objectives of this registry study are to evaluate real-world clinical outcomes and patient reported outcomes that measure the effectiveness and safety of STaRT.
Key Longitudinal Associations With Risk and Glioblastoma Outcomes
The goal of this observational study is to find out what factors affect the health and risks in adults with glioblastoma (GBM), a grade 4 brain cancer. The main questions it aims to answer are: * How do genetic and immune system factors impact survival and quality of life in GBM patients? * What occupational and medical history factors are linked to the risk of getting GBM? Participants will: * Fill out an online survey about their medical history and lifestyle. Participants will have the chance to give a blood sample (from the outer arm) for genetic and immune system testing. Blood samples will be given using a home collection kit provided by the study team.