Computer-based Neurocognitive Assessment in Children With Central Nervous System Tumors Receiving Proton Beam Radiation Therapy

Launched by WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE · Sep 23, 2015

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how proton beam radiation therapy (PBRT) affects the thinking and learning abilities of children and young adults with brain tumors. Researchers want to see how these abilities change from before treatment to 6-12 months after finishing radiation, and then continue checking them every year after that. This study is important because while some earlier research suggests that PBRT might lead to better cognitive outcomes, there hasn’t been much direct information collected from patients. The team conducting the study has a lot of experience with this type of cancer treatment and is well-equipped to gather the necessary data.

To be eligible for this trial, participants must be between 4 and 21 years old and have a diagnosis of a primary brain tumor or have cancer that has spread to the brain, with a life expectancy of more than a year. They should be planning to start PBRT, and previous treatments like chemotherapy or surgery are acceptable. Participants must also be able to take a cognitive test on a computer and have no other health issues that could affect their thinking skills. If you or someone you know fits these criteria, participating in this trial could help improve our understanding of how PBRT impacts cognitive health in young patients.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Diagnosis of primary CNS tumor or diagnosis of metastatic disease to the CNS with an expected overall survival of \> 1 year. Any prior treatment (chemo, XRT, or surgery) is allowed.
• • Planning to receive PBRT to treat the CNS tumor. Patients who have already received PBRT for this disease may also be enrolled provided they completed the NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery prior to the first week of radiation therapy.
• • Between 4 and 21 years of age (inclusive).
• • Life expectancy of at least one year.
• • Absence of visual impairment that would impede computer testing.
• • No secondary health conditions that would impact cognitive functioning (e.g. psychiatric or developmental disability unrelated to cancer).
• • Able to understand and willing to sign IRB-approved written informed consent document (or signature of legally authorized representative).