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A Phase II Study of Conformal Radiotherapy in Patients with Low-Grade Gliomas

[Protocol 07-049]

Full Title :

A PHASE II STUDY OF CONFORMAL RADIOTHERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH LOW-GRADE GLIOMAS (COG ACNS 0221)

Purpose :

Gliomas are a type of brain tumor. Older children with low-grade gliomas that have returned after surgery or are causing problems are often treated with radiation therapy. Younger children are usually treated first with chemotherapy, but if the tumor comes back after chemotherapy, they may then receive radiation therapy. However, radiation therapy can cause side effects, such as developmental delay, because of damage to healthy tissues near the tumor.

New types of radiation therapy are designed to target a smaller area of the body, and doctors think that patients who receive these kinds of radiation therapy might experience fewer side effects. One such approach is called conformal radiotherapy.

The purpose of this Children's Oncology Group study is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of conformal radiotherapy in children and adolescents with low-grade gliomas. Researchers will assess the quality of life and side effects experienced by patients.

Eligibility :

To be eligible for this study, patients must meet several criteria, including but not limited to the following:

• Patients must be between the ages of 3 and 21 (inclusive).
• Patients must have a confirmed diagnosis of a low-grade glioma that has returned despite prior treatment or could not be completely removed surgically.
• Patients under age 10 must have received at least one course of chemotherapy prior to entering the study. Patients age 10 and over may have received prior chemotherapy. Patients may not have received prior radiation therapy. Patients must have fully recovered from the side effects of prior treatment before entering the study.

For more information and to inquire about eligibility for this study, please contact Dr. Ira Dunkel at 212-639-2153 or Dr. Suzanne Wolden at 212-639-5148.