Comparing the effects of different types of radiation therapy on children with brain tumors.
Comparison of Symptom Burden/Toxicity, Neurocognitive Change, and Functional Outcomes in Pediatric Brain Tumor Patients Treated with Proton vs. Photon Radiotherapy.
This study is looking at how two types of radiation therapy—proton beam and traditional photon therapy—affect children with brain tumors, to see which one helps them feel better and do better in school and life after treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10917122 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how proton beam radiation therapy (PBRT) and conventional photon radiation therapy (XRT) affect children with brain tumors. It focuses on understanding the differences in symptom burden, neurocognitive changes, and functional outcomes in pediatric patients treated with these therapies. By using a longitudinal approach, the study will track patients from the start of treatment through their survivorship, aiming to identify which therapy leads to better cognitive and functional results. This could help improve treatment strategies for young cancer survivors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who are diagnosed with brain tumors and are undergoing radiation therapy.
Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing radiation therapy or who have other types of cancers unrelated to brain tumors may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options that minimize cognitive decline and enhance the quality of life for pediatric brain tumor survivors.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results with proton beam therapy in reducing cognitive impairments compared to traditional radiation methods, indicating a potential for significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kahalley, Lisa Schum — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Kahalley, Lisa Schum
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.