Spots Global Cancer Trial Database for Proton Beam Radiation Therapy for Central Nervous System (CNS) Germ Cell Tumors

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Trial Identification

Brief Title: Proton Beam Radiation Therapy for Central Nervous System (CNS) Germ Cell Tumors

Official Title: Phase II Study of Proton Radiation Therapy for CNS Germ Cell Tumors: Evaluation of Acute and Late Side Effects

Study ID: NCT01049230

Conditions

Germ Cell Tumor

Central Nervous System Germ Cell Tumor

Interventions

Proton Beam radiation

Study Description

Brief Summary: The purpose of this research study is to determine if radiation using proton beam therapy will kill the germ cell tumor in the participant's central nervous system. This type of radiation has been used previously on many patients with different types of cancers. There are two types of external radiation treatments, proton beam and photon beam. In this study we will be examining the effects of proton beam radiation therapy. Studies have suggested that this kind of radiation can spare normal tissue more than photon radiation therapy. The physical characteristics of proton beam radiation let the doctor safely increase the amount of radiation delivered to the tumor. We believe that proton beam therapy will potentially reduce side effects that participants would normally experience with photon radiation therapy.

Detailed Description: * Before participants begin radiation therapy they will have scans done to prepare them for radiation treatment. Doctors will use the information gathered from these scans to plan the best way to deliver radiation to the tumor. * Participants will receive treatment as an outpatient at the Francis H. Burr Proton Center located at the Massachusetts General Hospital. * Not everyone who participates in this study will receive the same amount of proton radiation therapy. The length of time and amount of radiation that the participant will receive will depend on the type of germ cell tumor they have and the stage of the their disease. * Radiation treatment will be given once a day, 5 days a week (Monday-Friday), for 4-8 weeks depending on the condition of the participant's disease. * During each week of proton radiation therapy, participants will have a physical exam and be asked questions about their general health and any problems they might be experiencing.