The goal of this clinical research study is to find a safe dose of radiation that can be given to patients with brainstem glioma who have already received radiation therapy.
You will receive photon radiation therapy. This type of radiation is similar to the radiation you have already had. Conformal radiotherapy or intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) will be used to try to treat the tumor while affecting as little of the surrounding normal tissue as possible.
Who can participate
Age range
17 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.
Inclusion criteria
. Diagnosis of DIPG by MRI imaging defined as tumor that has a pontine epicenter and is diffuse (tumor that involves the majority (\>50%) of the brainstem) on T2 or FLAIR imaging rather than focal. Histologic confirmation is not required
. Radiation therapy to brain for DIPG that was completed at least 10 months prior to planned reirradiation
. Clinical progression of symptoms with any radiographic progression on MRI within 21 days prior to registration (any progression in size or enhancement on MRI along with worsening symptoms, will be defined as progression prior to enrollment). Radiographic progression is defined as any increase in tumor size (in axial or sagittal images) or progressive contrast enhancement and abnormal T2/FLAIR signal by MRI.
. Signed informed consent by patient and/or parents or legal guardian
. Lansky/Karnofsky Performance Status score of 40-100
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
1
Optimal Dose Level Among Three Radiation Therapy (RT) Dose Levels