Summary
Background
Radiation therapy (RT) uses high energy X-rays, particles, or radioactive seeds to kill cancer cells and shrink tumours. Carboplatin is in a class of chemotherapy medications known as platinum-containing compounds. It works in a way similar to the anti-cancer chemotherapy drug Cisplatin, but may be better tolerated than Cisplatin. Carboplatin works by killing, stopping or slowing the growth of tumour cells. Etoposide is in a class of medications known as podophyllotoxin derivates. It blocks a certain enzyme needed for cell division and DNA repair and may kill cancer cells.
Researchers want to see if lowering the dose of standard RT after chemotherapy can help get rid of central nervous system (CNS) germinomas with fewer long-term side effects.
Who is it for?
You may be able to take part if you are aged between 3 and 29 years and have been diagnosed with a CNS germinoma. Participants must be newly diagnosed and meet specific health and laboratory test criteria. Patients with germinomas in different parts of the brain, including those with disease in multiple locations or in the brain or spine, may be eligible.
Study details
The study begins with an induction phase, where all participants receive chemotherapy with carboplatin (Day 1) and etoposide (Days 1–3). Treatment is given every 21 days for up to 4 cycles.
After chemotherapy, participants are assigned to 1 of 7 groups (called strata) based on their diagnosis and how well their tumour has responded to treatment. Each group receives a tailored treatment plan, which may include radiotherapy, surgery, or further treatment.
All participants have regular MRI scans, and may provide blood, spinal fluid, or tumour samples during the study. Some participants may also have a lumbar puncture.
After treatment finishes, participants are followed up:
- Every 3 months for the first year
- Every 4 months for the next 2 years
- Then once a year for up to 10 years