CompletedPhase 2

Cisplatin and Etoposide Prior to Radiation Therapy in Treating Patients With CNS Tumors

United StatesStarted 1991-03

Plain-language summary

RATIONALE: Drugs used in chemotherapy use different ways to stop tumor cells from dividing so they stop growing or die. Combining more than one drug may kill more tumor cells. PURPOSE: Phase II trial to study the effectiveness of cisplatin and etoposide in treating patients with CNS tumors.

Who can participate

Age range

3 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Histologically proven CNS germ cell tumor of 1 of the following subtypes: * CNS germinoma * Immature teratoma * Embryonal cell carcinoma * Yolk sac tumor * Endodermal sinus tumor * Choriocarcinoma OR * Pineal or suprasellar mass associated with elevated CSF alpha fetoprotein or beta-human chorionic gonadotropin allowed * Patients 18 years and over with localized pure germinomas ineligible * Evaluable CT or MRI of brain and/or spinal cord required PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: * 3 and over Hematopoietic: * Age 18 and over: * WBC at least 4,000/mm\^3 * Platelet count at least 100,000/mm\^3 * Under age 18: * Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,000/mm\^3 * Platelet count at least 100,000/mm\^3 Hepatic: * Not specified Renal: * Creatinine no greater than 0.3 mg/dL above upper limit of normal for age Other: * No uncontrolled infection * Not pregnant or nursing * Negative pregnancy test * Fertile patients must use effective contraception PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: * Not specified Chemotherapy: * No prior chemotherapy for CNS germ cell tumor Endocrine therapy: * Concurrent corticosteroids allowed except as antiemetics Radiotherapy: * No prior cranial or spinal radiotherapy Surgery: * Not specified

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Response rate

Survival

Endocrine and cognitive function

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00002472

SponsorMayo Clinic

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2005-08

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Brain and Central Nervous System Tumors trials

Who can participate

Age range

3 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.