Central Nervous System Germ Cell Tumor Treatment with Chemotherapy and Radiation – Phase II

ACNS1123: Response-Based Radiation Therapy for Patients with Localized Central Nervous System Germ Cell Tumors

Protocol Description

The goal of this multicenter trial by the Children’s Oncology Group is to determine the effectiveness of chemotherapy and a type of radiation therapy called whole ventricular irradiation (WVI) when used against newly diagnosed central nervous system tumors. Patients participating in this study will be given standard-of-care chemotherapy with WVI and a radiation treatment to the primary site of disease. Study doctors would like to see if giving WVI, a smaller dose of radiation, will be as effective as the radiation treatments used in previous studies.

Study Level: Phase II

Eligibility Criteria

Subject to certain exclusion criteria, this study is open to patients of both genders ages 3 to 21, who have been diagnosed as having central nervous system germinoma or NGGCT.
Males and Females: Ages 3 to 21

Requirements

For patients with germinoma and NGGCT, therapy starts with induction chemotherapy in 21-day cycles – 4 cycles for patients with germinoma, 6 cycles for those with NGGCT. Following induction chemotherapy, there will be an evaluation to determine whether second-look surgery is required or if the patient can proceed directly to radiation therapy. The amount of radiation therapy may vary from 4 to 5 weeks and may be at a reduced level or standard level. Radiation therapy may also follow second-look surgery.
Visits: Same number as required with standard therapy
Duration: Approximately 4 to 60 months depending on outcomes

Status: Open to Enrollment

Source(s) of Support

Children’s Oncology Group (ACNS1123)
National Cancer Institute

Primary Investigator

Jean Tersak, MD

Contact Information

For more information about the study or enrollment, please contact:
Research Coordinator Angela Connelly, RN, BSN
412-692-8864