Understanding cognitive function in children with brain tumors

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates cognitive function in pediatric patients aged 4-18 diagnosed with brain tumors. It focuses on acquiring high-quality data during the peri-diagnostic period and aims to develop predictive models for cognitive outcomes through serial examinations of functional imaging and cognitive assessments. The study includes three cohorts: newly diagnosed patients, those with previously diagnosed posterior fossa tumors, and patients with posterior fossa syndrome who cannot complete standard cognitive tests. The goal is to better understand cognitive deficits associated with various tumor types.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Cohort 1 (30 patients will be enrolled to this cohort)

Inclusion Criteria:

* Between 4 and 18 years of age, inclusive
* Newly diagnosed primary brain tumor of any location and any histology
* Life expectancy of at least one year
* Able to understand and willing to consent or assent to the research proposed, along with consent of legal guardian(s) if applicable

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of visual impairment to an extent that the patient is unable to complete the computer testing
* Contraindication to MRI scan (i.e. due to cardiac pacemaker)
* Programmable Shunt

Cohort 2 (150 patients will enrolled to this cohort. This may include some or all of the patients enrolled to Cohort 1.)

Inclusion Criteria:

* Between 4 and 18 years of age, inclusive
* Previous diagnosis of a posterior fossa brain tumor; patients who are either undergoing active treatment for posterior fossa tumor or who have completed treatment will be eligible for study enrollment
* Life expectancy of at least one year
* Able to understand and willing to consent assent to the research proposed, along with consent of legal guardian(s) if applicable

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of visual impairment to an extent that the patient is unable to complete the computer testing
* Contraindication to MRI scan (i.e. due to cardiac pacemaker)

Cohort 3 (20 patients will be enrolled to this cohort. This may include some or all of the patients enrolled to Cohort 1) Inclusion Criteria

* Between 4 and 18 years of age, inclusive
* Previous diagnosis of a posterior fossa brain tumor
* Clinical diagnosis of post-operative posterior fossa syndrome
* Inability to complete NIH Toolbox
* Life expectancy of at least one year
* Able to understand and willing to consent assent to the research proposed, along with consent of legal guardian(s) if applicable

Exclusion Criteria

* Contraindication to MRI scan (i.e. due to cardiac pacemaker)

Cohort 4 (50 Patients will be enrolled to Cohort 4. This will include patients previously enrolled on Cohorts 1-3 above.)

Inclusion Criteria

* Between 12-30 years of age, inclusive
* Diagnosis of a brain tumor \>3 years prior to study enrollment
* Life expectancy of at least one year
* Able to understand and willing to consent assent to the research proposed, along with consent of legal guardian(s) if applicable
* Patient must be able to complete a 1 hour MRI scan without sedation

Exclusion Criteria

* Contraindiciation to MRI scan (i.e. due to cardian pacemaker)
* Presence of dental braces or programmable shunt
* Patient requires sedation for MRI scan

Where it's running

• Washington University School of Medicine
  St Louis, Missouri, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Stephanie Perkins, M.D. — Washington University School of Medicine
• Study coordinator: Stephanie Perkins, M.D.
• Email: sperkins@wustl.edu
• Phone: 314-273-2931

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.