Brain-Sparing radiation may shield young minds from treatment side effects

NCT ID NCT05658731

First seen Jun 29, 2026 · Last updated Jun 30, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study explores whether planning radiation therapy to avoid key brain regions can reduce thinking and learning problems in children with brain or head and neck tumors. Participants include children receiving radiation, survivors who completed radiation at least two years ago, and healthy children for comparison. Researchers will use MRI scans and cognitive tests to measure brain changes and mental performance over time.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

radiation therapy with substructure-informed planning

What this could lead to

If successful, this approach could help preserve thinking and learning abilities in children who need radiation for brain or head and neck tumors.

What could go wrong

This is an early-stage feasibility study, so it may not prove that the planning method actually protects cognitive function. The results may not apply to all tumor types or radiation techniques.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

brain cancer brain neoplasm head and neck cancer Head and Neck Neoplasms

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Johns Hopkins Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Baltimore, Maryland, 21287, United States

  • Sibley Memorial Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Washington D.C., District of Columbia, 20016, United States