A randomised phase 3 trial comparing stereotactic ablative radiotherapy and systemic treatment with systemic treatment alone as 1st line treatment TAORMINA
About this trial
The TAORMINA Trial is an international clinical research study currently open in Ireland at:
- St. Luke’s Radiation Oncology Network (SLRON).
- Bon Secours UPMC Cork
What is the purpose of the TAORMINA trial?
This trial is exploring whether adding stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) to standard drug (systemic) treatment can improve outcomes for people with oligometastatic breast cancer, which means cancer that has spread to five or fewer sites in one or two organs.
Standard treatment for metastatic breast cancer involves systemic therapies such as hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted drugs. SABR is a highly focused form of radiotherapy that targets cancer spots with precision, delivering high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue.
The trial is investigating whether adding SABR to systemic treatment helps improve survival and quality of life for patients with a limited number of metastases.
This video explains what SABR treatment is:
Who can take part?
You may be eligible to take part if:
- You have breast cancer that has spread to five or fewer areas in one or two organs,
- You are well enough to receive systemic therapy and radiotherapy,
- You have not had widespread progression of your cancer.
- Your doctor will carry out tests and scans to confirm your eligibility before joining the trial.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you will be randomly assigned to one of two groups:
- Standard treatment group
– You will receive the systemic treatment recommended by your medical oncologist. - Study treatment group
– You will receive the same systemic treatment, and if your cancer remains stable after three months, you will also receive SABR to all visible cancer sites.
SABR is typically delivered in 1 to 5 short sessions over 1 to 2 weeks. You may also be asked to provide blood samples and complete quality of life questionnaires as part of the study.
All patients will be followed for up to 10 years with regular scans and check-ups.
Why is this research important?
SABR is already used in other cancers (like prostate and lung) and may help control cancer more effectively when only a few metastases are present. However, its benefit in breast cancer is not yet proven. The TAORMINA trial aims to find out whether SABR can safely and effectively improve survival in patients with oligometastatic breast cancer.
Study Oversight
The national Principal Investigator is Professor Fran)Duane, Consultant Radiation Oncologist at SLRON.
Cancer Trials Ireland is the national sponsor of the study.
Dr. Barbro K Linderholm is the international chief investigator and the international study sponsor is the Swedish Association of Breast Oncology (SABO)