Proton Beam vs IMRT for Brain Cancer
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This randomized phase II clinical trial studies the side effects and how well proton beam or intensity-modulated radiation therapy works in preserving brain function in patients with IDH mutant grade II or III glioma. Proton beam radiation therapy uses tiny charged particles to deliver radiation directly to the tumor and may cause less damage to normal tissue. Intensity-modulated or photon beam radiation therapy uses high-energy x-ray beams shaped to treat the tumor and may also cause less damage to normal tissue. It is not yet known if proton beam radiation therapy is more effective than photon-based beam intensity-modulated radiation therapy in treating patients with glioma.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, the use of memantine during or after radiation is not allowed, and only adjuvant temozolomide therapy will be used during the trial.
Is proton beam therapy safe for brain cancer patients?
Proton beam therapy is generally considered safe and can reduce side effects compared to traditional radiation therapy, as it delivers more precise doses to the target area, sparing normal tissues. This has been observed in studies for both brain and prostate cancers, suggesting a potential safety advantage over other forms of radiation therapy.12345
How does Proton Beam Radiation Therapy differ from IMRT for brain cancer treatment?
Proton Beam Radiation Therapy is unique because it can deliver radiation more precisely to the tumor, sparing more of the surrounding healthy tissue compared to Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT). This precision can lead to fewer side effects, making it a potentially better option for treating brain cancer.26789
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Proton Beam vs IMRT for Brain Cancer?
Who Is on the Research Team?
David R Grosshans
Principal Investigator
NRG Oncology
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for English-speaking adults with a specific brain tumor (IDH mutant grade II or III glioma). They must be in good physical condition, have certain blood counts and organ functions within normal ranges, and have had recent MR imaging. Patients who've had prior brain radiation, severe psychiatric diseases affecting cognition, or are severely immunocompromised can't participate.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Radiation Therapy
Patients undergo either photon-based IMRT or proton beam radiation therapy once daily, 5 days a week for 6 weeks for a total of 30 fractions.
Chemotherapy
Beginning 28 days after completion of radiation therapy, patients receive standard of care temozolomide for 5 days. Treatment repeats every 28 days for up to 12 courses.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment completion, with follow-ups at 6 and 12 months, and then yearly for 10 years.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy)
- Proton Beam Radiation Therapy
- Temozolomide
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
NRG Oncology
Lead Sponsor
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Collaborator