Proton versus X‑ray radiation: effects on thinking, symptoms, and daily function in 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.
['FUNDING_R01'] · BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE · NIH-11403684
This project looks at how proton beam and conventional X‑ray radiation affect symptoms, thinking skills, and everyday functioning in children treated for brain tumors.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11403684 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would be followed from the start of radiation through long‑term survivorship to track symptoms, side effects, thinking skills, and daily function. Researchers will collect symptom and toxicity reports, give standard neurocognitive tests, and measure functional independence at multiple visits over time. The study uses a model‑based accelerated longitudinal cohort approach to compare children treated with proton beam radiation versus conventional photon (X‑ray) radiation. The goal is to see whether the more targeted dosing of proton therapy that spares healthy brain tissue links to fewer cognitive problems and better long‑term function.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children with primary brain tumors who are receiving cranial radiation (proton or conventional photon/X‑ray) and can attend cognitive testing and follow‑up visits are the intended participants.
Not a fit: People who are not receiving cranial radiation, adults, or children unable to complete follow‑up visits or neurocognitive testing are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help clinicians choose radiation approaches that reduce cognitive side effects and improve daily functioning for pediatric brain tumor survivors.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies show proton therapy can reduce dose to healthy brain tissue and may spare cognition, but long‑term, head‑to‑head comparisons with X‑ray therapy are limited.
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.
Conditions: Acute Radiation Syndrome