Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy for the Treatment of Refractory Ventricular Tachycardia

Launched by BARTS & THE LONDON NHS TRUST · Jan 13, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating a new way to treat a heart condition called ventricular tachycardia (VT), which is an abnormal heart rhythm that can be serious, especially for patients whose heart muscles have been damaged by previous heart problems. In this study, researchers are looking at whether a non-invasive treatment called stereotactic ablative radiotherapy can help patients with recurrent VT who are too frail or do not wish to undergo traditional treatments like catheter ablation. This type of radiotherapy uses high-energy radiation to target the areas of the heart causing the abnormal rhythm without needing any surgery or anesthesia.

To participate in the trial, patients need to be between 18 and 85 years old and have experienced at least three episodes of VT in the past six months that have not responded well to standard treatments. They should also be too weak to safely undergo traditional catheter ablation. If eligible, participants can expect to receive precise radiotherapy that aims to stop the VT while minimizing damage to healthy parts of the heart. It’s important to note that this study is currently recruiting participants and aims to find a safer option for those struggling with this challenging heart condition.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. They are at least 18-85 years old.
• • 2. They have recurrent VT (at least three episodes in the preceding six months) requiring therapy from an ICD, that is refractory to conventional treatments - both maximally tolerated doses of anti- arrhythmic drugs and/or conventional catheter ablation.
• • 3. They are too frail or do not wish to undergo conventional catheter ablation.
• • 4. They have not had previous radiotherapy to the anticipated treatment field.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. They have polymorphic VT or ventricular fibrillation (VF).
• • 2. They have inotrope-dependent heart failure or a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) in situ.
• • 3. They are unlikely to live more than 12 months irrespective of the VT.
• • 4. There is a potentially reversible cause for the VT e.g. critical coronary artery disease or a metabolic problem such as an overactive thyroid gland.
• • 5. They are unable to provide informed consent.
• • 6. They have had previous radiotherapy to the anticipated treatment field.
• • 7. The patient weighs in excess of 170kg (maximum weight capacity of the tables in the imaging department).