LET Optimized IMPT in Treating Pediatric Patients With Ependymoma

Launched by M.D. ANDERSON CANCER CENTER · Nov 20, 2018

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new type of radiation therapy called LET optimized image modulated proton therapy (IMPT) to treat children with a type of brain tumor called ependymoma. The goal is to see how well this therapy works and what side effects it may cause. This treatment uses proton beams, which are a type of radiation that can target tumor cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissues around it. The trial is currently recruiting participants who are between the ages of 0 and 35 and have been diagnosed with a specific grade of ependymoma that is confined to the brain.

To participate in this trial, patients must have a confirmed diagnosis of ependymoma and should not have received radiation therapy in the past. They should also not be undergoing chemotherapy at the same time. Before joining, patients or their parents will need to provide consent. Throughout the trial, participants will undergo treatment and monitoring to assess the effects of the therapy. This study is important because it could lead to better treatment options for young patients with ependymoma.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Previous pathologic confirmation of ependymoma, World Health Organization (WHO) grade II or III
• • Disease must be confined to the brain (no evidence of spread on MR imaging of the spine or on staging lumbar puncture)
• • Patient may not receive chemotherapy concurrent with radiation
• • Signed informed consent by patient and/or parents or legal guardian
• • Lansky performance status score of 50 -100
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients with previous radiation therapy to the brain
• • Ependymoma of the spine
• • Disseminated ependymoma requiring craniospinal radiation therapy
• • Pregnancy
• • Inability to undergo MR imaging
• • Inability to receive gadolinium-based contrast agent