Radiation Therapy for Pediatric Cancer
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial compares two types of radiation therapy, Proton Beam Radiation Therapy (PBRT) and Photon Radiation Therapy, to determine which is more effective for treating cancer in children and has fewer side effects. The researchers aim to gather more data on the short-term and long-term effects of these treatments on patients. Children under 22 receiving radiation therapy at participating centers are eligible to join. This study will enhance understanding and guide future research on radiation therapy for young cancer patients. As a Phase 3 trial, it represents the final step before FDA approval, offering participants a chance to contribute to potentially groundbreaking advancements in cancer treatment.
Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?
The trial does not require you to stop taking your current medications. You can continue with your existing treatments while participating.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that Proton Beam Radiation Therapy (PBRT) can be safer for children with cancer than traditional radiation therapy. Studies indicate that PBRT poses a lower risk of causing additional cancers due to its precise targeting of tumors. This precision also helps protect healthy tissue, which is crucial for children who are still growing.
In terms of side effects, PBRT and traditional radiation therapy have similar rates of tissue damage from radiation. However, non-cancer effects such as brain injuries and hormone issues can occur with PBRT, though these are also common with traditional radiation therapy.
Overall, PBRT is considered a promising option with fewer long-term side effects, making it a potentially safer choice for children undergoing cancer treatment.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about proton beam radiation therapy for pediatric patients because it offers a more precise form of radiation treatment compared to traditional photon radiation therapy. Proton therapy allows doctors to target tumors with greater accuracy, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues and potentially reducing side effects. This precision is particularly important for children, as it may help protect their developing bodies from the long-term effects of radiation exposure.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for cancer?
This trial will evaluate Proton Beam Radiation Therapy (PBRT) for treating childhood cancers. Research has shown that PBRT can more accurately target tumors, protecting nearby healthy tissues from damage. This precision typically results in fewer and less severe long-term side effects compared to traditional methods like Photon Radiation Therapy. Early results suggest that PBRT may improve survival rates and reduce the risk of harmful side effects in children. Overall, PBRT represents a groundbreaking approach in treating pediatric cancer, focusing on both effective treatment and quality of life.12346
Who Is on the Research Team?
Torunn I Yock, MD
Principal Investigator
Massachusetts General Hospital
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive radiation therapy, including proton or photon radiation, with data collection on treatments received before radiation, side effects, and concurrent treatments
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for disease and survival status, late side effects, and development of new conditions, with annual chart reviews
Long-term follow-up
Participants' medical conditions are tracked for life to determine long-term outcomes of proton beam radiation therapy
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Photon Radiation Therapy
- Proton Beam Radiation Therapy
How Is the Trial Designed?
1
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Proton Radiation Therapy
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Massachusetts General Hospital
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Paediatric proton therapy - PMC - PubMed Central - NIH
To date, the clinical results of irradiating childhood tumours with high-precision proton therapy are promising both with regard to tumour cure and the ...
Proton beam therapy in paediatric radiation oncology
Clinically, several series have shown similar numbers of radiation necrosis in children treated with protons as with photons.
The Pediatric Proton and Photon Therapy Comparison ...
Modeling studies indicate that proton beam scanning results in the lowest out-of-field dose while data for photon treatments and passive ...
Non-cancer effects after proton beam therapy for pediatric ...
Brain cancer stem injuries, cognitive dysfunctions, neuroendocrine and cardiovascular damage are the most frequent non-cancer late effects after proton beam ...
5.
mayoclinic.org
mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/pediatrics/news/proton-beam-therapy-for-pediatric-cancers/mac-20576795Proton beam therapy for pediatric cancers
Proton beam therapy is transforming pediatric cancer care, with improved outcomes and reduced long-term side effects.
6.
mdanderson.org
mdanderson.org/patients-family/diagnosis-treatment/care-centers-clinics/proton-therapy-center/conditions-we-treat/pediatric-cancer.htmlPediatric Proton Therapy
Proton therapy may limit the radiation exposure to healthy, growing tissue in pediatric cancer patients. Because protons can be precisely controlled, pediatric ...
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