Proton vs. x-ray brain radiation: effects on thinking, symptoms, and daily life 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.
This project compares proton and traditional x‑ray brain radiation in children with brain tumors to find which approach better protects thinking skills, lowers symptom burden, and supports everyday functioning.
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-11403681 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If your child joins, researchers will follow groups of children treated with proton or x‑ray (photon) cranial radiation from the start of treatment into long‑term survivorship. They will collect information at multiple time points using symptom checklists, neurocognitive tests, and measures of daily function and quality of life. The team will use a model‑based, accelerated longitudinal cohort approach to compare how symptoms, thinking skills, and independence change over time between the two treatment groups. Medical records and toxicity reports will also be used to track treatment‑related side effects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children with brain tumors who are scheduled to receive or have recently received cranial radiation (proton or x‑ray/photon) would be the ideal candidates for participation.
Not a fit: Children who are not receiving cranial radiation, adults, or those with conditions unrelated to pediatric brain tumors are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help doctors choose the type of radiation that reduces cognitive harm and improves long‑term daily functioning for children with brain tumors.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies suggest proton therapy can reduce radiation to healthy brain tissue and may lower late cognitive effects, but long‑term, direct comparisons with x‑ray radiation in large pediatric cohorts remain 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.