Recruiting

Proton versus standard radiation therapy for brain tumors

Plain-English translation of NCT02824731 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated December 2024 · Translation generated August 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial is comparing two ways of delivering radiation therapy to treat brain tumors: proton therapy and standard photon (X-ray) therapy. Both are established treatments, but researchers want to understand whether proton therapy causes fewer long-term side effects and better preserves quality of life compared to standard photon therapy. The study will track about 555 people over time to measure side effects, quality of life, and thinking/memory changes.

Although both radiation approaches are used to treat brain tumors, it's unclear which one is gentler on healthy brain tissue and leads to better outcomes for patients in the long run. This trial will help doctors understand whether switching to proton therapy could reduce serious side effects like memory problems, hearing loss, or vision changes that can develop months or years after treatment.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with a primary brain tumor (such as a glioma, meningioma, pituitary adenoma, or craniopharyngioma) or a brain tumor that has come back
you are at least 18 years old
your doctor believes you need radiation therapy, possibly combined with chemotherapy
your doctor thinks you could safely receive either proton or photon radiation therapy
you are in good enough general health to receive outpatient treatment and can travel for follow-up visits
you are able to understand the study and provide written consent

You likely don't qualify if…

you have a brain lymphoma or cancer that has spread to the brain from elsewhere in your body
you have a very small tumor (like an acoustic neuroma) that would normally be treated with a different, more focused radiation technique
you cannot have an MRI scan for medical reasons
you are unable to commit to regular follow-up visits as required by the study
you have severe mobility issues that would prevent reliable, repeated positioning for treatment

What participation looks like

If you join this study, your doctor will assign you to receive either proton therapy or standard photon radiation therapy based on what's available and what you and your doctor prefer. You'll receive radiation over several weeks (with daily treatments given in smaller doses), and the study team will follow you for at least a year after your treatment ends. During follow-up visits, you'll complete questionnaires about your quality of life, have memory and thinking tests, and undergo imaging scans to monitor how you're doing and track any side effects.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Aug 5, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(2 sites)

Germany

University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Dresden

University Hospital Gießen and Marburg, Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Marburg