Radiation Induced Alterations in Resting State Brain Networks in Pediatric Brain Tumor Patients

Description

With modern therapy, the survival rate for pediatric brain tumor patients has significantly improved, with over 70% of patients surviving their disease. However, this progress often comes at the cost of substantial morbidity, with cognitive deficits being the primary obstacle to independent living. Robust predictors of cognitive decline and a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms of cognitive injury remain elusive. This study will prospectively investigate alterations in brain resting state networks following radiation therapy using functional imaging. The hypothesis is that radiation therapy leads to dose-dependent alterations in functional connectivity in the networks associated with higher level cognition, ultimately leading to cognitive decline.

Conditions

Brain Tumor, Primary

Talk to us

Study Overview

On this page

Study Details

Study overview

With modern therapy, the survival rate for pediatric brain tumor patients has significantly improved, with over 70% of patients surviving their disease. However, this progress often comes at the cost of substantial morbidity, with cognitive deficits being the primary obstacle to independent living. Robust predictors of cognitive decline and a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms of cognitive injury remain elusive. This study will prospectively investigate alterations in brain resting state networks following radiation therapy using functional imaging. The hypothesis is that radiation therapy leads to dose-dependent alterations in functional connectivity in the networks associated with higher level cognition, ultimately leading to cognitive decline.

Assessing Radiation Induced Alterations in Resting State Brain Networks in Pediatric Brain Tumor Patients

Radiation Induced Alterations in Resting State Brain Networks in Pediatric Brain Tumor Patients

Condition
Brain Tumor, Primary
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Saint Louis

Washington University School of Medicine/Saint Louis Children's Hospital, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States, 63110

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * Between 8 and 21 years of age, inclusive
  • * Newly diagnosed primary brain tumor of any location and any histology that will be treated with proton radiation therapy
  • * Life expectancy of at least one year
  • * Able to understand and willing to consent or assent to the research proposed (or that of a legally authorized representative, if applicable), along with consent of legal guardian(s) if applicable
  • * 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)
  • * Presence of programmable shunt or dental braces
  • * Requires sedation for MRI scans

Ages Eligible for Study

8 Years to 21 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

Washington University School of Medicine,

Stephanie Perkins, M.D., PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Washington University School of Medicine

Study Record Dates

2027-07-31