Proton versus x‑ray radiation: thinking, symptoms, and daily function after childhood brain tumor treatment
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-11403680
This project compares whether proton radiation or standard x‑ray radiation leads to fewer symptoms, better thinking skills, and easier daily life for 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-11403680 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would be followed from the start of radiation through years of survivorship, with doctors and researchers tracking symptoms, side effects, thinking and memory, school and daily functioning at multiple visits. The team will compare outcomes for children who receive proton beam therapy versus conventional photon (x‑ray) therapy using a model‑based accelerated longitudinal cohort design. Tests will include symptom and toxicity checklists, standardized neurocognitive testing, and measures of functional independence over time. Data from medical records and scheduled study visits will be combined to see which radiation approach is linked with better long‑term functioning.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children with brain tumors who are scheduled to receive cranial radiation (proton or photon) and who can participate in neurocognitive testing and follow‑up visits are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Children who do not receive cranial radiation, who have non‑brain cancers, or who cannot complete follow‑up visits and testing are unlikely to benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help doctors choose radiation approaches that reduce cognitive decline and symptom burden, improving long‑term quality of life for survivors.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies suggest proton therapy can limit dose to healthy brain tissue and may reduce cognitive late effects, but large, long‑term direct comparisons with photon therapy are still 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