Can proton radiation save Kids' brainpower? new study aims to find out
NCT ID NCT02559752
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study will test whether computer-based thinking assessments are practical for children aged 4 to 21 with brain tumors who are receiving proton beam radiation therapy. Researchers will measure thinking skills before, during, and after treatment to see how radiation affects memory, attention, and other abilities. The goal is to gather data that could help doctors choose treatments that better protect children's thinking skills.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- computer-based thinking tests (NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could show that proton radiation helps preserve thinking skills in children with brain tumors, guiding future treatment decisions.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early feasibility study, not a treatment trial. It may not prove that proton radiation is better than other types, and results may not apply to all children.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
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About 80 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Oct 2015
- Expected to finish
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Apr 2032
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
Participants seen at Washington University School of Medicine.
- Ages
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4 to 21 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of primary CNS tumor or diagnosis of metastatic disease to the CNS with an expected overall survival of \> 1 year. Any prior treatment (chemo, XRT, or surgery) is allowed. * Planning to receive PBRT to treat the CNS tumor. Patients who have already received PBRT for this disease may also be enrolled provided they completed the NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery prior to the first week of radiation therapy. * Between 4 and 21 years of age (inclusive). * Life expectancy of at least one year. * Absence of visual impairment that would impede computer testing. * No secondary health conditions that would impact cognitive functioning (e.g. psychiatric or developmental disability unrelated to cancer). * Able to understand and willing to sign IRB-approved written informed consent document (or signature of legally authorized representative).
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Washington University School of Medicine
RECRUITINGSt Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States
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