Proton beam may spare healthy brain tissue in young tumor patients

NCT ID NCT01049230

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study is testing whether proton beam radiation can effectively treat germ cell tumors in the brain while causing fewer side effects than standard photon radiation. About 45 participants aged 3 to 25 will receive daily proton radiation for 4 to 8 weeks. Researchers will track side effects and how long the tumor stays under control.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Proton beam radiation
What this could lead to: If successful, this could show that proton radiation is a safer way to treat brain germ cell tumors with fewer long-term side effects than standard radiation.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase study with only 45 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The treatment still carries risks of radiation side effects, and it is not a cure.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

central nervous system germ cell tumor germ cell tumor Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal

As listed by the trial registrant

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

CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM GERM CELL TUMOR GERM CELL TUMOR

Contacts and locations

Locations

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States
Massachusetts General Hospital

Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States

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