Trial Information

Pediatric Low Grade Astrocytoma: Treatment Guidance

OBJECTIVES: I. Determine if tumor growth rate can be decreased by targeting areas of
increased choline activity, as measured by magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging, in
pediatric patients with progressive low grade astrocytoma treated with surgical resection
and/or focal radiotherapy. II. Improve the quality of life without use of aggressive surgery
or radiotherapy in this patient population.

OUTLINE: Patients undergo magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) over 60 minutes
prior to surgery and/or radiotherapy. Patients are assigned to one of two treatment arms
based on tumor accessibility and may crossover to either arm. Arm I: Patients undergo
conventional surgery. Arm II: Patients with inaccessible tumors undergo focal radiotherapy.
Following surgery and/or radiotherapy, patients are followed every 4 months for up to 2
years with MRSI or MRI for tumor response and growth.

PROJECTED ACCRUAL: A total of 24 patients will be accrued for this study over 2 years.