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Understanding Brain Changes After Radiation for Pediatric Brain Tumors

This observational study is looking at how radiation therapy affects the brains of children and young adults with primary brain tumors. Researchers want to understand why some patients develop thinking and memory problems (cognitive deficits) after treatment. They will use special brain scans called Resting State MRI and Precision functional mapping, along with cognitive testing (NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery and Novel Cognitive Measure), to see how brain networks change. The study aims to enroll 16 participants between 8 and 21 years old who are receiving proton radiation therapy for a newly diagnosed brain tumor. The main goal is to see how radiation affects brain connections and how these changes relate to thinking abilities over one year.

Study design
This is an observational study with a planned enrollment of 16 participants.
What's involved
Participants will have cognitive testing and brain scans (Resting State MRI/Precision functional mapping) at the start of the study and again about 12 months after finishing radiation therapy.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Participants will be followed for approximately one year after completing radiation therapy.

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NCT06185686

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

Recruiting
Not specifiedAges 8–21Observational
Washington University School of Medicine
~16 participants
Updated 2026-07-17 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Cognitive testingResting State MRI/Precision functional mapping

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Radiation induced effects on functional brain resting state connectivity
Measured over Through 1 year follow-up
+2 more outcomes measured

Conditions

Brain Tumor, Primary

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Brain Neoplasm

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Missouri1

Study leadership

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

Who to contact

Stephanie Perkins, M.D.
[email protected]
314-747-4405
Email the study team

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

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

Exclusion

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

What this trial measures

  • Radiation induced effects on functional brain resting state connectivityThrough 1 year follow-up

    The investigators will compare resting state maps of each patient pre- and post-radiation therapy. The investigators will evaluate changes in the resting state architecture and compare to the average results that would be expected from a patient in the same age and sex.

  • Baseline characteristics of functional network architectureAt baseline (day 1)

    The investigators will assess the unique architecture of brain networks at diagnosis and how significantly this architecture diverges from average healthy controls.

  • Change in characteristics of functional network architectureBaseline and 1 year follow-up

    The investigators will assess brain system segregation which is measure of the connection and disconnection between different brain networks. These will be compared within individuals and compared to healthy controls.