Central Nervous System Tumor Treatment with Chemotherapy followed by Response-Based Radiation – Phase II

ACNS2021: A Study of a New Way to Treat Children and Young Adults with a Brain Tumor Called NGGCT

Protocol Description

This multi-center Children’s Oncology Group study investigates the best approach to combine chemotherapy and radiation therapy based on the patient's response to induction chemotherapy in young people with non-germinomatous germ cell tumors (NGGCT).

Study Level: II

Eligibility Criteria

Subject to certain exclusion criteria, this study is enrolling patients ages 3 through 29 years diagnosed with NGGCT.
Males and Females: Ages 3 through 29 years

Requirements

Participants will receive up to 6 cycles of induction chemotherapy, each lasting 3 weeks, after which a determination will be made as to whether surgical removal of the tumor is required. Following evaluation, study participants will also be assigned to one of two plan protocols. Plan A requires radiation therapy 5 days a week for about 6 weeks, with radiation to the spine and only a portion of the brain. Plan B consists of consolidation chemotherapy, peripheral blood stem cell rescue and radiation therapy involving the whole brain and spine.
Visits: Number of visits will vary based on study arm and the participant’s response to protocol.
Duration: For most, about 6 to 11 months, depending on which treatment plan is applied.

Status: Open to Enrollment

Source(s) of Support

Children’s Oncology Group (ACNS2021)
National Cancer Institute

Primary Investigator

James Felker, MD

Contact Information

For more information about the study or enrollment, please contact the UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Neuro-Oncology team, at:
chphoneuro-onc@upmc.edu