Active — Not RecruitingNot Applicable

Proton Beam Radiation Therapy for Central Nervous System (CNS) Germ Cell Tumors

United States45 participantsStarted 2010-06

Plain-language summary

The purpose of this research study is to determine if radiation using proton beam therapy will kill the germ cell tumor in the participant's central nervous system. This type of radiation has been used previously on many patients with different types of cancers. There are two types of external radiation treatments, proton beam and photon beam. In this study we will be examining the effects of proton beam radiation therapy. Studies have suggested that this kind of radiation can spare normal tissue more than photon radiation therapy. The physical characteristics of proton beam radiation let the doctor safely increase the amount of radiation delivered to the tumor. We believe that proton beam therapy will potentially reduce side effects that participants would normally experience with photon radiation therapy.

Who can participate

Age range3 Years – 25 Years

SexALL

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

Inclusion Criteria: * Histologically confirmed germ cell tumor or elevated AFP or B-HCG in the setting of radiographic disease consistent with a germ cell tumor. Disease must be confined to the central nervous system. * Participants do not need to have measurable disease. Most patients will not have measurable disease at the time of treatment. * 3 years of age or older and 25 years of age or younger at the time of diagnosis because this study evaluates this disease entity in the pediatric population which may differ from the adult population. * Life expectancy of greater than 12 months. * ECOG performance status of 0, 1 or 2 * Baseline MRI of the brain and spinal axis with gadolinium and prior to any chemotherapy is required. If surgical resection is performed a post-operative MRI is required. If the patient receives chemotherapy prior to radiation, a post-chemotherapy MRI of the brain is required. If spinal involvement was seen on initial MRI and prior to chemotherapy, a MRI of the spine is required after chemotherapy and prior to radiation. * Serum and lumbar CSF must be obtained to evaluate for alpha fetoprotein (AFP) and beta human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). This is needed to stratify patients into pure GCT and NGGCT. * Women of child-bearing potential and men must agree to use adequate contraception prior to study entry and for the duration of study participation. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients will be ineligible if any prior therapeutic radiation therapy \> 200 cG…

What they're measuring

To describe late complications of craniospinal, whole ventricle, and involved field radiation therapy delivered with proton radiotherapy in place of photon radiation for this patient population.

Timeframe: 2 years

To evaluate acute and subacute toxicities of craniospinal, whole ventricle, and involved field radiation therapy delivered with proton radiotherapy in place of photon radiation in this patient population.

Timeframe: 2 years

Trial details

NCT IDNCT01049230

SponsorMassachusetts General Hospital

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-06-30

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Germ Cell Tumor trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range3 Years – 25 Years

SexALL

See this in plain English?

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

What they're measuring

To describe late complications of craniospinal, whole ventricle, and involved field radiation therapy delivered with proton radiotherapy in place of photon radiation for this patient population.

Timeframe: 2 years