CompletedPhase 2

Combination Chemotherapy Plus Radiation Therapy in Treating Adult Patients With Brain Cancer

United States33 participantsStarted 1999-05-04

Plain-language summary

RATIONALE: Drugs used in chemotherapy use different ways to stop tumor cells from dividing so they stop growing or die. Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to damage tumor cells. Combining more than one drug and combining chemotherapy with radiation therapy may kill more tumor cells. PURPOSE: Phase II trial to study the effectiveness of combination chemotherapy followed by radiation therapy in treating adult patients with brain cancer.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 120 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 confirmed central nervous system cancer including: * Medulloblastoma with either local residual disease of greater than 1 cm\^2 on MRI following resection or evidence of metastases (M1-4) * Other primitive neuroectodermal tumors * Ependymoma with evidence of subarachnoid metastases * Must have less than 1 cm of midline shift or no acute elevated intercranial pressure PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: * 18 and over Performance status: * ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy: * Not specified Hematopoietic: * WBC greater than 4,000/mm\^3 * Platelet count greater than 125,000/mm\^3 * Hemoglobin greater than 10 g/dL * No preexisting hematologic condition that would increase toxicity or limit ability to comply with evaluations and follow-up Hepatic: * Bilirubin less than 2 times upper limit of normal (ULN) * SGOT less than 2 times ULN * Alkaline phosphatase less than 2 times ULN * No preexisting hepatic condition that would increase toxicity or limit ability to comply with evaluations and follow-up Renal: * Creatinine greater than 70 mL/min * No preexisting renal condition that would increase toxicity or limit ability to comply with evaluations and follow-up Pulmonary: * No history of significant pulmonary disease or, if there is preexisting pulmonary disease, then DLCO greater than 60% of predicted * No preexisting pulmonary condition that would increase toxicity or limit ability to comply with evaluations and follow-up Other: * No…

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.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00003309

SponsorEastern Cooperative Oncology Group

Sponsor typeNETWORK

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2004-03

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