Proton therapy versus standard radiation for children with brain tumors

This trial is testing whether proton beam therapy—a newer, more precise type of radiation—can treat pediatric brain tumors as effectively as standard radiation therapy while causing fewer long-term side effects. Children with benign or low-grade brain tumors who need radiation will be randomly assigned to receive either proton therapy or standard photon-based radiation. The study aims to find out if the newer treatment protects developing brains from damage while still controlling the tumor.

Standard radiation therapy for brain tumors in children can damage healthy brain tissue over time, leading to problems with thinking, learning, hormones, and hearing. Proton therapy delivers radiation more precisely to the tumor, potentially sparing more healthy tissue—which could be especially important for young children whose brains are still developing.