Boston, MANCT02112617Now EnrollingIRB Ready

Neuroblastoma Clinical Trial in Boston, MA

Access cutting-edge neuroblastoma treatment through this clinical trial at a research site in Boston. Study-provided care at no cost to qualified participants.

Sponsored by Massachusetts General Hospital

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Expert Care in Boston

Access neuroblastoma specialists at no cost

IRB Approved

This study follows strict safety protocols and ethical guidelines

No-Cost Care

All study-related neuroblastoma treatment provided free

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Check if you qualify for this neuroblastoma clinical trial in Boston, MA

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Why Participate?

  • No-Cost Study Care

  • Local to Boston

    Convenient for MA residents

  • Cutting-Edge Treatment

    Access to innovative therapies

  • Expert Medical Care

    Close monitoring by specialists

  • Possible Compensation*

    For time and travel

*Compensation varies by study. Confirm details with coordinator.

Simple Process

  1. 1Submit this form
  2. 2Phone screening
  3. 3Visit Boston site if eligible
  4. 4Begin participation

About This Neuroblastoma Study in Boston

This research study is evaluating a therapy called proton beam radiation therapy (PBRT) as a possible treatment for neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma most commonly occurs in and around the adrenal glands, which are located at the top of the kidneys. However, it can also occur in other areas where groups of nerve cells exist, such as other areas of the abdomen, neck and near the spine. Conventional radiation therapy with photons is used as standard treatment for many patients with neuroblastic tumors. In this research study, the investigators are looking at another type of radiation called proton radiation which is known to spare surrounding tissues and organs from unnecessary radiation. Proton radiation delivers radiation to the area requiring radiation. This may reduce side effects that patients would normally experience with standard radiation therapy or other means of delivering proton radiation therapy. In this research study, the investigators are evaluating the effectiveness of using proton radiation delivered to reduce side effects associated with radiation treatment. The investigators will also be assessing the late side effects experienced by participants in each treatment group.

Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital

Who Can Participate

Inclusion Criteria

Participants must have histologically confirmed neuroblastoma or ganglioneuroblastoma or elevated urinary catecholamine metabolites. If tumor tissue was obtained, pathological review of surgical specimen at the Massachusetts General Hospital or other DF/HCC institution is required, but preliminary report only required prior to enrollment. If no tumor tissue was obtained, urinary catecholamine metabolites are required.
Participants do not need to have measurable disease at the time of radiation. Age ≥ 3 and ≤ 25 years at the time of diagnosis because this study evaluates this disease entity in the pediatric population which may differ from the adult population.
Life expectancy of greater than 12 months.
ECOG performance status ≤2 (Karnofsky ≥60%, Lansky ≥60%, see Appendix A).
Diagnostic Imaging MRI and/or CT of the area to be treated within 8 weeks of any treatment. Baseline bone marrow biopsy and bone scan (with 99mTc-diphosphonate or MIBG scan (131I-MIBG or 123I-MIBG) from time of original diagnosis is required.
Because radiation is known to be teratogenic, women of child-bearing potential and men must agree to use adequate contraception (hormonal or barrier method of birth control; abstinence) prior to study entry and for the duration of study participation. Should a woman become pregnant or suspect she is pregnant while participating in this study, she should inform her treating physician immediately.
Ability of the patient or the patient's legal guardian to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document.
Participants or their legal guardian must sign consent prior to the initiation of radiation therapy.

Exclusion Criteria

Patients will be ineligible if any prior therapeutic radiation therapy \> 500 cGy has been delivered.
Patients will be ineligible if chemotherapy was completed ≥ 1 year from the planned start date of radiation therapy or if the patient is referred for radiation therapy after a relapse following a regimen with chemotherapy alone.
Individuals with a history of a different malignancy are ineligible except for the following circumstances. Individuals with a history of other malignancies are eligible if they have been disease-free for at least 5 years and are deemed by the investigator to be at low risk for recurrence of that malignancy. Individuals with the following cancers are eligible if diagnosed and treated within the past 5 years: cervical cancer in situ, and basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma of the skin.
Pregnant females are excluded. Women of childbearing age/menstruating must have a negative pregnancy test prior to initiation of radiation therapy.

Not sure if you qualify? Submit your interest and a study coordinator will help determine your eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:Is this study available in Boston?

Yes, this clinical trial (NCT02112617) has an active research site in Boston, MA that is currently enrolling participants.

Q:Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. This study has been reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals. You can withdraw at any time.

Q:Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time and travel expenses. Specific compensation details will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is provided at no cost.

Q:Can I leave the trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty.

Still have questions? Our study coordinators are here to help.

Neuroblastoma Treatment Options in Boston, MA

If you're searching for neuroblastoma treatment options in Boston, MA, this clinical trial (NCT02112617) may be an excellent opportunity. Clinical trials provide access to cutting-edge treatments that aren't yet available to the general public, often at no cost to participants.

Our Boston research site is actively enrolling participants for this clinical trial. You'll receive care from experienced neuroblastoma specialists who are at the forefront of medical research. All study-related care, including examinations, treatments, and monitoring, is provided at no cost to qualified participants.

Looking for more options? Browse all neuroblastoma clinical trials near you to find additional studies recruiting in your area.

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