Study of Preoperative RAdiation Therapy With Concomitant Liposomal Transcrocetin (L-TC) in Soft tISsue Sarcomas

This is a non-comparative phase II trial (comparison is made regarding a reference, not 2 between 2 proportions). Considering the wide confidence interval retrieved in literature regarding pCR value with HFRT, pCR value used in the sample size calculation and taken from the literature must be included in the 95% CI of the pCR from the control group.

The PRACTISS trial aims to improve treatment outcomes for patients with extremity STS by incorporating Liposomal Transcrocetin (L-TC) with Hypofractionated Radiotherapy (HFRT). L-TC is designed to enhance tumor oxygenation, addressing hypoxia-a significant factor contributing to radioresistance. By reoxygenating tumor cells, L-TC may improve radiosensitivity, increasing the efficacy of radiotherapy and leading to higher rates of pathological complete response (pCR) before surgery. Achieving a higher pCR is associated with better long-term outcomes and reduced recurrence rates. Additionally, the use of HFRT reduces the overall treatment schedule compared to conventional radiotherapy, minimizing the treatment burden for patients and potentially improving their quality of life while maintaining treatment effectiveness.

L-TC 300 mg QD, administered as intravenous infusion over 90 minutes, at a fixed dose of 300 mg daily before each HFRT fraction, for a total of 5 days corresponding to the planned five daily HFRT fractions. The intravenous infusion should start 120 minutes before each HFRT fraction. Radiotherapy is scheduled to coincide with the plasma peak, which occurs approximately 2 hours after the start of the infusion

Inclusion criteria

• Age ≥ 18 years
• Localized or locally advanced soft tissue sarcoma of extremity proven by biopsy histological grade 2 and 3.
• Pathological expert proof-reading in reference centers
• HFRT and surgery planned (regardless the potential inclusion in this trial) as decided in a multidisciplinary tumor board, in reference centre (European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) guideline 2021)
• R0 surgery is feasible, in reference centers
• Pre-biopsy MRI available
• Performance status of 0-2 and life expectancy of at least 6 months

Exclusion criteria

• Patient who cannot undergo MRI
• Patients with localized or locally advanced soft tissue sarcoma of extremity proven by biopsy with histological grade 1
• Previous radiation in the area
• Woman who is pregnant or breastfeeding
• Soft tissue sarcoma developed in irradiated area.
• Patients with myxoid liposarcoma, embryonal or alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, osteosarcoma, angiosarcoma, primitive neuroectodermal tumor, desmoid-type fibromatosis, or dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans
• Patient with metastatic disease, other concomitant cancer or history of cancer treated and controlled within the previous 3 years.