CompletedPhase 1

Combination Chemotherapy Plus Radiation Therapy in Treating Children With Newly Diagnosed Brain Stem Glioma

United States, Australia, Canada31 participantsStarted 1999-09

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 with radiation therapy may kill more tumor cells. PURPOSE: Phase I trial to study the effectiveness of vincristine plus etoposide and radiation therapy in treating children who have newly diagnosed brain stem glioma.

Who can participate

Age range

3 Years – 21 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: Newly diagnosed diffuse intrinsic brain stem glioma by MRI At least 2/3 of the tumor in the pons Tumor origin clearly in the pons At least 2 clinical features with less than 6 months duration: Cranial nerve deficit Long tract signs Ataxia No diffuse brain stem enlargement secondary to neurofibromatosis No diffuse leptomeningeal disease PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 3 to 21 Performance status: Karnofsky or Lansky 50-100% Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,000/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin less than 2.0 mg/dL ALT no greater than 5 times upper limit of normal Renal: Creatinine or GFR normal for age PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: No prior biologic therapy Chemotherapy: No other concurrent chemotherapy No prior chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: Prior glucocorticoids allowed Radiotherapy: No prior radiotherapy Surgery: No prior surgery Other: No other concurrent investigational drugs

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

Survival

Timeframe: 1 year

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00003935

SponsorChildren's Oncology Group

Sponsor typeNETWORK

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2003-10

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