NCT04968990 · St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Treatment of Newly Diagnosed Patient's With Wilm's Tumor Requiring Abdominal Radiation Delivered With Proton Beam Irradiation
What this study is about
Participants are being asked to take part in this clinical trial, a type of research study, because the participants have a Wilms Tumor cancer. Primary Objectives To determine whether delivery of proton beam radiation to a conformal reduced target volume in the flank allows normal flank growth compared to the contralateral untreated side and non-irradiated patients.
View original scientific description
Participants are being asked to take part in this clinical trial, a type of research study, because the participants have a Wilms Tumor cancer. Primary Objectives To determine whether delivery of proton beam radiation to a conformal reduced target volume in the flank allows normal flank growth compared to the contralateral untreated side and non-irradiated patients. Secondary Objectives To deliver proton beam radiation to a conformal reduced target volume (partial kidney proton beam radiation therapy) in the affected kidney(s) for patients with Stage V (bilateral Wilms tumor) and specific involved surgical margins yielding no reduction in the high control rates seen with more traditional flank / whole kidney fields. Exploratory Objectives * Study the feasibility of sparing the residual kidney, spine and liver in patients requiring whole abdomen radiation therapy using either a proton beam treatment technique or intensity-modulated radiation therapy ( IMRT) photon based technique. * Study the feasibility of delivering whole lung radiation therapy with proton beams with the goals of sparing the developing breast tissue, heart structures, thyroid and liver. * Develop simultaneous xenografts and organoid models from the same starting material to study Wilms tumor biology and compare responses to chemotherapeutic agents. * Define the evolution of organ specific (kidney, liver, pancreas, etc.) abnormalities (laboratory studies) as an early marker of possible late end organ damage and their relationship to radiation. * Study and evaluate impact of proton therapy on the musculoskeletal system and physical performance and compare with photon therapy cases treated with classical treatment fields. * Assess CTC-AE and Pediatric Patient Reported Outcomes during radiation and in follow-up, correlating with disease, treatment and patient variables. * Correlate quantitative MRI values, including apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values, with histopathology findings post-surgery in children with (bilateral) Wilms. * Assess daily variations in proton range along each treatment beam using standard pre-treatment cone beam CT or on-treatment MR.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Patients are eligible to be enrolled on this trial at the time of initial (or presumptive) diagnosis of Wilms tumor, at the time of surgery or at the time of radiation treatment.
- Patients that are determined to be stage I or II will be eligible for the surgical and biologic aspects of this trial but will otherwise be followed per institutional standards and be "off therapy" at the time of stage determination (followed only for survival).
- Patients identified to have an anaplastic or other unfavorable tissue component (non-Wilms histology) to their tumor may have tissue assessed for the biology objective but will be removed from the therapeutic portion of the study at the time of identification of this pathologic finding. Performance Level • The Karnofsky performance status must be ≥50 for patients \>16 years of age and the Lansky performance status must be ≥ 50 for patients ≤ 16 years of age. Prior Therapy
- Only prior therapy with the initial chemotherapy regimen defined in section 5.1 and Appendix III are allowed for patients that are treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. These patients may change to an alternate regime based on response or biologic features and noted in section 5.1. Prior biopsy or surgery is allowed.
- Prior radiation therapy is not allowed if directed at the abdomen. Emergent RT to other sites of disease is acceptable. Organ Function Requirements:
- None - As per institutional standard of care. Diagnosis / Stage
- Presumed diagnosis of Wilms tumor (continued management on trial will depend on stage and histology)
- Resected upfront stage III, IV or V favorable histology Wilms tumor. Stage III includes any one or multiples of the following:
- Lymph nodes within the abdomen or pelvis are involved by tumor. (Lymph node involvement in the thorax, or other extra-abdominal sites is a criterion for Stage IV)
- The tumor has penetrated through the peritoneal surface
- Tumor implants are found on the peritoneal surface
- Gross or microscopic tumor remains post-operatively (e.g., tumor cells are found at the margin of surgical resection on microscopic examination - in the post chemotherapy setting only specific types of viable tumor at the surgical margin are considered stage III AND require adjuvant radiation - see surgery / pathology / radiation section for additional details)
- The tumor is not completely resectable because of local infiltration into vital structures
- Tumor spillage occurring either before or during surgery
- A trans abdominal biopsy (regardless of type- tru-cut, open or fine needle aspiration) was performed prior to resection or chemotherapy. Retroperitoneal biopsies DO NOT require radiotherapeutic management like stage III
- Tumor is removed in greater than one piece (e.g. tumor cells are found in a separately excised adrenal gland; a tumor thrombus within the renal vein is removed separately from the nephrectomy specimen). Extension of the primary tumor within vena cava into thoracic vena cava and heart is considered Stage III, rather than Stage IV even though outside the abdomen.
- Stage IV - Hematogenous metastases (lung, liver, bone, brain, etc.), or lymph node metastases outside the abdomino-pelvic region are present. (The presence of tumor within the adrenal gland is not interpreted as metastasis and staging depends on all other staging parameters present). Patients with lung involvement and local abdominal stage I or II are eligible to remain on trial for whole lung irradiation objective.
- Stage V - Bilateral renal involvement by tumor is present at diagnosis. An attempt should be made to stage each side according to the above criteria on the basis of the extent of disease
- Patients that have or will receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy for unresected unilateral or bilateral Wilms tumor without a biopsy are not assumed to be require adjuvant radiation on this study. That determination will be based on surgical findings and the approach to treatment detailed in the protocol. Timing
- Patients undergoing upfront surgery must start RT, if indicated, within 28 days of definitive surgery with a goal of starting RT by day 21.
- Patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy will be enrolled either at diagnosis (if at St. Jude) or at the time of RT. Other Criteria • Female patients of childbearing potential (age ≥10 years old or post-menarche) must have a negative pregnancy test prior to enrollment.
Exclusion criteria
- Inability or unwillingness to provide written informed consent
- Prior radiation therapy to a site to be treated with proton / photon radiation as part of this trial. Emergent radiation is allowed.
Where
- Memphis, Tennessee
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Apr 23, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations