Whole Brain Radiation Therapy for Blood Cancers
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial examines how whole brain radiation therapy affects memory and thinking in people with blood cancers, such as certain types of lymphoma, leukemia, or myeloma. Researchers aim to understand the impact of this treatment on brain functions like memory and reasoning. Participants will undergo memory tests, complete questionnaires, and receive brain scans (MRI) at various times during and after the treatment. This trial may suit those receiving brain radiation for blood cancer who can complete tests in English. As a Phase 2 trial, the study measures the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group, providing participants an opportunity to contribute to important research.
Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify if you need to stop your current medications. It seems that you can continue taking medications for claustrophobia or cognitive impairment if needed.
What prior data suggests that whole brain radiation therapy is safe for patients with blood cancers?
Research shows that whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) can cause some side effects. Common short-term effects include temporary hair loss, mild skin irritation, and fatigue. Ear problems may also occur, though they are less common.
Studies have found that WBRT rarely causes serious side effects like seizures or extreme fatigue. Concerns about memory or thinking problems after treatment exist. However, research has shown that while these issues can occur, they may improve over time for some patients.
Overall, WBRT is generally well-tolerated, but monitoring its effects on the brain and body is important.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the trial examining whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) for hematologic malignancies because it explores the neurocognitive outcomes associated with this treatment. Unlike standard chemotherapy or targeted therapies, which primarily focus on eradicating cancer cells, WBRT is unique in its ability to address cancer that may have spread to the brain. The trial's emphasis on assessing neurocognitive function over time is crucial, as it aims to understand the potential cognitive side effects and long-term impacts of WBRT, helping to improve patient quality of life. By gathering detailed data through assessments, questionnaires, and MRIs, researchers hope to refine WBRT protocols and enhance supportive care strategies.
What evidence suggests that whole brain radiation therapy might be an effective treatment for blood cancer?
Research has shown that whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) effectively treats cancer that has spread to the brain, known as brain metastases. In studies, more than half of the patients who survived three months after treatment reported a significant decrease in pain. WBRT also helps control the spread of cancer within the brain. This trial focuses on the effects on thinking and memory through neurocognitive assessments and questionnaires. It is important to note that WBRT is a well-established treatment for cancer in the brain.678910
Who Is on the Research Team?
Bouthaina S Dabaja
Principal Investigator
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
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
Radiation
Participants receive whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) for hematologic malignancies
Neurocognitive Assessment
Participants undergo neurocognitive function assessments and complete quality-of-life questionnaires
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for cognitive outcomes and quality-of-life changes after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Whole Brain Radiation Therapy
How Is the Trial Designed?
1
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Patients undergo neurocognitive function assessments, complete questionnaires over 8-10 minutes and undergo standard of care MRI at baseline (within 4 weeks before the first day of WBRT), 2, 6, 12 months after RT completion, then annually for 5 years.
Whole Brain Radiation Therapy is already approved in United States, European Union for the following indications:
- Brain metastases
- Brain metastases
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Whole brain radiation therapy for patients with brain metastases
Most patients with BM have a poor prognosis, with early studies having reported a median survival of approximately 1 month in patients who were ...
Patient Reported Outcomes Following Palliative Whole ...
More than 50% of patients that survived 3 months reported a significant alleviation of pain, and 38% of patients that survived for 6 months ...
Patient reported outcomes following whole brain radiotherapy ...
More than 50% of patients that survived ~ 3 months reported alleviation of pain, and 38% of patients that survived for ~ 6 months reported a ...
4.
surgicalneurologyint.com
surgicalneurologyint.com/surgicalint-articles/stereotactic-radiosurgery-versus-whole-brain-radiotherapy-for-intracranial-metastases-a-systematic-review-and-meta-analysis/Stereotactic radiosurgery versus whole-brain radiotherapy ...
SRS and WBRT exhibited similar recurrence rates and overall survival (OS) at 1 and 5 years, with WBRT being more effective in managing post-radiation LMD.
Palliative whole brain radiation therapy: an international state ...
Global median overall survival was 84 days after WBRT (95% confidence interval: 68.0–104.0). • Twenty-seven patients (5.8%) were unable to ...
Whole-Brain Radiotherapy for Brain Metastases: Evolution or ...
TOXICITY OF WBRT. Typical acute adverse effects of WBRT include temporary alopecia, mild dermatitis, mild fatigue, and less commonly otitis media or externa.
7.
mdanderson.org
mdanderson.org/newsroom/risks-of-whole-brain-radiation-therapy-added-to-radiosurgery-out.h00-158987445.htmlRisks of whole brain radiation therapy added to ...
However, none of the studies have shown a survival benefit, Brown explains. WBRT's side effects include hair loss, skin redness, dry mouth and ...
Critical Review Radiation Therapy for Brain Metastases
We did not find systematic differences across interventions in serious adverse events, number of adverse events, radiation necrosis, fatigue, or seizures. WBRT ...
A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (P4-5.011)
SRS has been associated with better survival and local tumor control. It is a safer procedure that enhances short-term quality of life and preserves cognitive ...
People who experience side effects from cranial radiation ...
Analysis of three large, phase III clinical trials finds more than 40% of brain metastases patients completely reversed cognitive losses.
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