Proton therapy for children with renal tumors

Pilot Study of Pencil Beam Scanning Proton Beam Radiation Therapy in Patients With Renal Tumors

Early Phase 1 Interventional Children's Hospital of Philadelphia · NCT03810651

This study is testing a new type of proton therapy for children with kidney tumors to see if it can reduce side effects from treatment while still being effective.

Quick facts

PhaseEarly Phase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment28 (estimated)
Ages0 Years to 30 Years
SexAll
SponsorChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsChemotherapy, radiation
Locations1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Trial IDNCT03810651 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study evaluates the use of pencil beam scanning proton therapy in patients with renal tumors, including Wilms tumor and clear cell sarcoma of the kidney. The approach aims to minimize acute gastrointestinal toxicity associated with radiation therapy while maintaining effective treatment. Patients will undergo assessments of health-related quality of life and laboratory evaluations to measure toxicity levels. The study also compares the radiation doses to organs at risk using this advanced proton therapy technique versus traditional photon radiation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients under 30 years old diagnosed with Wilms tumor or clear cell sarcoma of the kidney requiring radiation therapy.

Not a fit: Patients who have previously received radiation therapy to the affected area or are pregnant or breastfeeding may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce radiation-related side effects in young patients with renal tumors.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise with proton therapy in reducing toxicity, but this specific approach using pencil beam scanning is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Less than 30 years of age
* Diagnosis

  a. Any patient with Wilms tumor or clear cell sarcoma of the kidney who would require radiation therapy as standard of care including
  1. Any patient with favorable histology (FH), stage III disease
  2. Any patient with focal or diffuse anaplasia
  3. Any patient with CCSK
* The patient is a candidate for external beam radiotherapy based on standard of care for treatment of Wilms tumor or CCSK

Exclusion Criteria:

* Prior radiotherapy to the region of the study cancer
* Chemotherapy administered for diagnosis of Wilms tumor or CCSK
* Pregnant or breastfeeding

Where this trial is running

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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 Renal TumorWilms Tumor
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.