About this study
Medulloblastoma in children is a fast-growing tumor. It can be cured in many patients with intense treatment that includes surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Very young children with medulloblastoma are divided into 2 molecular groups: SHH and G3/G4. SHH-medulloblastomas are further divided into subgroups SHH-1 and SHH-2. Prior research done at St. Jude and other major institutions has shown that each molecular group and subgroup requires different intensities and types of therapy. St. Jude takes a risk-based treatment approach based on molecular classification and clinical risk.
Cancer therapy often has many long-term side effects. Especially, radiation therapy to the developing brain and spine of infants and young children may cause permanent problems with thinking, learning, and growing. So, it is important to adjust therapy intensity and molecular classification. We strive to give the best chance of cure while reducing the risk of long-term effects and reserve the most intense therapy (such as radiation) for the patients with highest-risk disease.
Molecular classification defines which molecular group and subgroup the medulloblastoma belongs to.
Clinical risk is determined by the spread of cancer to other parts of the brain or spine and age of the patient.
For patients who may have low-risk tumors, this approach offers less-intense treatment. Higher-risk patients get more intense treatment.
St. Jude researchers will also study the mental and thinking skills of those treated with chemotherapy only and those treated with chemotherapy and radiation. This can help us identify patients who may have problems in school. We can then educate and guide parents and help patients get extra support when needed.
Eligibility overview
- Birth to 5 years old
- Newly diagnosed medulloblastoma
- Has not had previous radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or other treatment for the brain tumor other than corticosteroid therapy and surgery