CompletedPhase 2

Chemotherapy Plus Peripheral Stem Cell Transplant in Treating Patients With Central Nervous System Cancer

United States30 participantsStarted 1999-04

Plain-language summary

RATIONALE: Drugs used in chemotherapy use different ways to stop cancer cells from dividing so they stop growing or die. Combining chemotherapy with peripheral stem cell transplant may allow the doctor to give higher doses of chemotherapy drugs and kill more cancer cells. PURPOSE: This phase II trial is studying how well chemotherapy and peripheral stem cell transplant work in treating patients with central nervous system cancer.

Who can participate

Age range

18 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 malignant tumors * Anaplastic astrocytoma * Oligodendroglioma * Germ cell tumor * Medulloblastoma * Primary neuroectodermal tumor * Esthesioneuroblastoma * CNS lymphoma (primary or systemic disease) * Multifocal intracranial disease allowed * No extraneural metastases (except controlled systemic lymphoma) * Pretreatment considerations based on tumor type * Anaplastic astrocytoma: * Recurrent disease * Any treatment at diagnosis allowed (carmustine dose limited to 480 mg/m2) * Chemotherapy not required at recurrence * Oligodendroglioma: * Disease response (at least minor) to conventional chemotherapy OR * Recurrent disease * Esthesioneuroblastoma: * Attempted complete surgical resection * Disease progression after radiotherapy * Response to chemotherapy regimen comprising cyclophosphamide, etoposide, and cisplatin * CNS lymphoma: * Disease refractory to methotrexate OR * Failure after initial treatment with methotrexate OR * Considered at high risk for disease relapse despite initial response * Radiographic or pathological confirmation of recurrent disease required * Not eligible for other high priority national or institutional clinical studies PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: * 18 and over Performance status: * ECOG or Zubrod 0-1 Life expectancy: * Not specified Hematopoietic: * Not specified Hepatic: * Not specified Renal: * Creatinine less …

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

Disease-free suvival

Overall survival

Toxicity

Quality of life

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00007982

SponsorHerbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2005-02

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