Clinical Research Central Nervous System Cancers

Strategic Direction and Overarching Themes for the Service

Clinical and translational research for tumors of the central nervous system in the department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on:

  • The impact of proton therapy for brain and base of skull tumors on neurocognitive function.
  • The use of multiple modalities for the treatment of brain metastases.
  • The use of circulating tumor cells as a marker for treatment response.
  • The use of proton therapy for dose escalation for meningiomas.
  • The use of novel investigational agents for the treatment and/or imaging of primary brain tumors.

Description of Programs and protocol within the Service

Principal Investigator: Robert Lustig, M.D.
Coordinator: 
Office: 
UPCC#: 24317

The study is a pilot study to estimate the efficacy of personalized dose-escalation radiation therapy in patients with glioblastoma, as measured by estimating the median of progression-free survival. Toxicity, patterns of recurrence, and overall median survival will be measured as secondary endpoints. Adverse events will be monitored.

Principal Investigator: Robert Lustig, M.D.
Coordinator: 
Office: 
UPCC#: NRG BN001

The primary objective of this study is to determine if dose-escalated and -intensified photon IMRT or proton beam therapy (using a dose-per-fraction escalation with simultaneous integrated boost) with concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide improves overall survival, as compared to standard-dose photon irradiation with concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide. To enroll, patients must have a histologically proven diagnosis of glioblastoma (WHO grade IV) confirmed by central review prior to step 2 registration. Tumor tissue that is determined by central pathology review prior to step 2 registration to be of sufficient quantity for analysis of MGMT status. The tumor must be located in the supratentorial compartment only (any component involving the brain stem or cerebellum is not allowed).

Publications from the Service Members