Proton therapy for brain tumors

Proton Therapy Research Infrastructure- ProTRAIT- Neuro-oncology

Maastricht Radiation Oncology · NCT04648462

This study is testing whether proton therapy can be a better treatment option for patients with certain brain tumors by comparing it to traditional radiation methods to see if it can reduce harm to healthy tissues.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment1500 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMaastricht Radiation Oncology (other)
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation
Locations3 sites (Maastricht, Limburg and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04648462 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on the application of proton therapy for patients with specific brain tumors, including astrocytoma and oligodendroglioma. It utilizes a model-based approach to compare proton and photon treatment plans for individual patients, assessing the potential reduction in radiation dose to healthy tissues and the expected clinical benefits. The study aims to identify patients who would benefit most from proton therapy by analyzing dosimetric gains and normal tissue complication probabilities. The research is conducted across multiple leading medical centers in the Netherlands.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with brain tumors that have a favorable prognosis and minimal neurocognitive impairment.

Not a fit: Patients who are not eligible for chemotherapy or are suitable for stereotactic radiotherapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to reduced radiation-induced complications and improved outcomes for patients with brain tumors.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using proton therapy for similar conditions, indicating a growing body of evidence supporting this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. All brain tumors with a favorable prognosis (median survival \> 10 year)
2. Age ≥ 18 years
3. ECOG performance status 0 - 1 / Karnofsky performance status 80 - 100
4. No - minimal neurocognitive impairment
5. Dosimetrical gain of protontherapy relative to photontherapy (≥5% on supratentorial brain dose or hippocampi)
6. Informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Not eligible for chemotherapy
2. Eligible for stereotactic radiotherapy

Where this trial is running

Maastricht, Limburg and 2 other locations

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Astrocytoma, Ependymoma, Ganglioglioma, Oligodendroglioma, Optic Nerve Glioma, Meningioma, Nerve Sheath Neoplasms, Adenoma

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.