Receive radiation therapy and chemotherapy for a newly diagnosed brain tumor

Recruiting

What is this trial?

This trial is testing whether starting treatment with a combination of lomustine and temozolomide, followed by radiation and additional chemotherapy if needed, works better than starting with radiation first, followed by chemotherapy. The study is enrolling about 406 patients with a specific type of newly diagnosed brain tumor and will track how well patients maintain their memory, thinking skills, and daily functioning over time.

Doctors want to find the best order and combination of treatments to help patients with this type of brain tumor live longer and keep their mental abilities sharp. Right now, it's not clear whether one approach is clearly better than the other, so this study will compare them directly.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been newly diagnosed with a grade 2 or 3 brain tumor (oligodendroglioma) with specific genetic changes
you have had surgery to remove or biopsy your tumor within the last 2 to 3 months
you are at least 18 years old and in reasonably good health (able to carry out most daily activities)
you are willing to have regular MRI scans, cognitive tests, and quality-of-life questionnaires throughout the study
you have adequate liver, kidney, and blood cell function based on recent lab work

You likely don't qualify if…

you are currently taking other cancer medications or have received prior radiation or chemotherapy
you have an active infection (such as HIV, hepatitis B or C, or tuberculosis)
you are unable to undergo MRI scans
you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or not willing to use contraception during treatment
you have had another cancer (other than skin cancer) in the past 5 years

What participation looks like

You will be randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. One group receives six cycles of chemotherapy pills (given over about 6 months), then radiation and additional chemotherapy if the tumor progresses. The other group receives radiation first (over 5-6 weeks), then chemotherapy pills, also followed by additional treatment if needed. Throughout the study, you'll have MRI scans every 3 months, brief neurological exams, cognitive (memory and thinking) tests at least once a year, and quality-of-life questionnaires. The study will track you to see how well you maintain your brain function and overall well-being.

Two treatment approaches for newly diagnosed brain tumors

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(19 sites)