A pilot study in high intensity focused ultrasound ablation of resectable soft tissue sarcoma and small symptomatic desmoid tumours

Research summary

Around 3,300 people are diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma (STS) each year in the UK, and a significant proportion of STS diagnoses are in people aged under 30 years. STS can arise from various tissue types and is comprised of over 50 tumour types. Although STS is treated with a combination of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the prognosis is relatively poor with a five-year survival rate of 54%. There is a an unmet need for further treatment modalities in STS. High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a non-invasive way of treating cancers with minimal side effects, low complication rate and quick recovery. Ultrasound waves are used to destroy tumour cells and improvements in technology and experience are enabling complete destruction of tumour. HIFU also releases tumour antigens, increasing the immune response against cancer. HIFU has received FDA approvals for several indications, including bone metastases. There have been some publications from China showing promise in STS, however this technology needs further evaluation within the UK's healthcare setting. This study will recruit patients with STS, including a subtype called desmoid tumours. 12-16 patients will be treated over a four year period. HIFU treatment will be carried out as a day case procedure, and patients will be discharged home the same day. The study is designed to generate evidence regarding safety of HIFU. In addition, the study may provide information about the efficacy of HIFU against STS which can help designing future studies. The primary outcome is feasibility and safety of HIFU. Further longer-term outcomes include the completeness of destruction of the tumour, the impact on patients' quality of life (including pain), and the effect on any subsequent surgical resection of the tumour. The study will also look at the immunological response following HIFU ablation of STS.

Principal Investigator

Dr Paul Lyon

Contact us

Email: Avianna.laws@ouh.nhs.uk

IRAS number

285090