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DRO70001 / Cognitive Changes in Patients Receiving Partial Brain Radiation / Sara Hardy

Basic Study Information

Purpose:
Cranial radiation therapy (RT), commonly used to treat benign and malignant brain tumors, can lead to cognitive impairments in domains not related to neuroanatomic structures directly impacted by the tumor. The study will prospectively enroll 75 patients with benign and low-grade brain tumors who will undergo partial brain RT, with either conventionally fractionated or hypofractionated schedules. Subjects will receive MRI scans at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Given the role of the limbic system in key cognitive functions affected by RT, researchers have a particular interest in characterizing MRI changes in the limbic system and thalamus in relation to memory and related processes. Specific Aims: To examine objective neurocognitive changes over time. The investigators hypothesize that they will see RT-induced neurocognitive impairment in up to 50% of patients after cranial RT. To examine changes in brain tissue (via MRI) induced by off-target RT in patients with benign and low-grade brain tumors. The investigators specifically hypothesize that comapping of RT dose and MRI changes in the thalamus and limbic system (i.e., thalamic nuclei, hippocampus, fornix, hypothalamus/mammillary bodies, limbic lobe, cingulum) will be most distorted by off-target RT. To examine the relationship between MRI changes for key neuroanatomic structures identified in Aim 1 with objective neurocognitive testing. The investigators hypothesize that cognitive decline will be correlated with damage revealed by MRI to limbic and thalamic structures. This research will help to define which neuroanatomic structures are most at risk from RT-induced damage and will help ultimately establish new dose constraint guidelines for important structures to improve cognitive outcomes.

Location: James P. Wilmot Cancer Center at University of Rochester Medical Center

Lead Researcher (Principal Investigator)

Lead Researcher:  Sara Hardy

Study Contact Information

Study Contact: Clinical Trials Office
Study Location: Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center
Study Email: WCICTOResearch@urmc.rochester.edu

Additional Study Details

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