Examining cognitive changes in brain tumor patients receiving radiation therapy

Longitudinal Prospective Study of Neurocognitive Outcomes and Multimodal Quantitative Neuroimaging Outcomes in Primary Brain Tumor Patients Receiving Brain Radiotherapy

Observational University of California, San Diego · NCT05576103

This study is trying to see how radiation therapy affects thinking and memory in people with brain tumors over time, so that doctors can improve treatment and help patients keep their cognitive skills.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment250 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of California, San Diego Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation, chemotherapy
Locations1 site (San Diego, California)
Trial IDNCT05576103 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to prospectively analyze primary brain tumor patients undergoing fractionated radiation therapy. It will utilize quantitative neuroimaging and neurocognitive testing to assess changes in brain function and structure over time. The goal is to correlate radiation exposure with cognitive outcomes, ultimately informing strategies to minimize cognitive decline associated with treatment. By identifying sensitive brain regions affected by radiation, the study seeks to enhance future radiation techniques for better patient outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with a primary brain tumor who are scheduled to receive fractionated partial brain radiation therapy.

Not a fit: Patients who have previously undergone brain radiation therapy or cannot undergo MRI with contrast may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved radiation therapy techniques that spare cognitive function in brain tumor patients.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies examining cognitive effects of radiation, this specific approach using advanced neuroimaging techniques is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients 18 years or older
2. Karnofsky performance status (KPS) ≥70
3. Life expectancy of ≥1 year
4. Primary brain tumor patients who will receive fractionated partial brain RT
5. Able to complete neurocognitive assessments

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Inability to undergo MRI with contrast
2. Prior brain RT

Where this trial is running

San Diego, California

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Primary Brain TumorGliomaMeningiomaSchwannoma
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.