High-Risk Neuroblastoma Study 2 of SIOP-Europa-Neuroblastoma (SIOPEN)
This international study is exploring different treatments for high-risk neuroblastoma, a serious cancer that affects children and young people. Researchers want to find the best way to combine chemotherapy (medication to kill cancer cells) and radiotherapy (using radiation to destroy cancer cells). They are comparing various treatment plans, including different strengths and combinations of chemotherapy before and after surgery, and carefully targeted radiation. The main goal is to see which approaches help patients live longer without their cancer returning. This study involves several stages, with patients being randomly assigned to different treatment groups to fairly compare their effectiveness. The findings will help doctors improve care for children with high-risk neuroblastoma.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This important international study is focused on improving treatment for children and young people diagnosed with a serious type of cancer called high-risk neuroblastoma. Doctors are always looking for better ways to fight cancer, and this study aims to find the most effective combinations of treatments.
Specifically, the researchers are comparing different approaches to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Chemotherapy uses powerful medicines to kill cancer cells, while radiotherapy uses targeted radiation. The study involves several steps, where patients will be randomly assigned to different treatment groups. For example, some groups might receive different types of chemotherapy first. Later, after surgery, some might get different amounts or types of radiation, especially if some cancer remains.
The main goal is to discover which of these treatment plans works best to help patients stay well and prevent the cancer from coming back. By carefully comparing these different methods, doctors hope to develop new, more effective standard treatments for high-risk neuroblastoma, giving children and young people a better chance at long-term health.
Key takeaways
- This is an international study focusing on high-risk neuroblastoma.
- It compares different chemotherapy and radiotherapy plans.
- The goal is to find the most effective treatments to improve patient outcomes.
- Patients are randomly assigned to different treatment groups.
- It aims to reduce cancer recurrence and improve long-term survival.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for children and young people who have been diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma, usually before they've started much treatment. This might include those with a widespread form of the cancer, or those with a specific genetic change in their cancer cells (called MYCN amplification).
If you've already started some chemotherapy, you might still be able to join, especially if it was a very early treatment for an emergency situation or for a more localized cancer. Generally, participants should be diagnosed with neuroblastoma according to specific international guidelines.
Girls and young women who might become pregnant will need to take a pregnancy test and agree to use effective contraception during the study and for a year afterwards.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Have you been diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma?
- Are you a child or young person up to 21 years old?
- Have you had little to no previous chemotherapy for your cancer?
- Are girls and young women able to take a pregnancy test and use birth control if needed?
What does participation involve?
Taking part in this study means you would follow a specific treatment plan that involves different types of chemotherapy and potentially radiotherapy. These treatments are given at specialist hospitals. You would have regular visits to the hospital for your treatments, check-ups, and tests to see how you are responding. The doctors will monitor you closely throughout the treatment period.
Because this study compares different treatment approaches, participants will be randomly chosen for one of several groups. This ensures a fair comparison. The total duration of your participation would involve the treatment period itself, followed by ongoing check-ups for several years to track your long-term health and the cancer's status.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (142)
- Sydney children HospitalVerified postcodeSydney, Australia· Recruiting
- Children's Cancer Centre, Monash Children's HospitalVerified postcodeClayton, Australia· Recruiting
- Oncology/Haematology Department, Perth Children's HospitalVerified postcodeNedlands, Australia· Suspended
- Children's Cancer & Haematology Services, John Hunter Children's HospitalVerified postcodeNew Lambton Heights, Australia· Recruiting
- Australian and New Zealand Children's Hematology/oncology GroupVerified postcodeSydney, Australia· Active not recruiting
- sydney children HospitalVerified postcodeSydney, Australia· Recruiting
- Cancer Centre for Children, The Children's HospitalVerified postcodeWestmead, Australia· Suspended
- Medical University GrazVerified postcodeGraz, Austria· Recruiting
- Landeskrankenhaus-Universitätsklinikum InnsbruckVerified postcodeInnsbruck, Austria· Recruiting
- Kepler Universitatsklinikum LinzVerified postcodeLinz, Austria· Recruiting
- Universitastsklinikum SalzburgVerified postcodeSalzburg, Austria· Recruiting
- St Anna'S Children HospitalVerified postcodeVienna, Austria· Recruiting
Common questions
What is high-risk neuroblastoma?
It's a serious type of cancer that develops from nerve cells and mostly affects young children. 'High-risk' means it often needs intensive treatment.
What does 'randomized' mean in a study?
It means patients are put into different treatment groups by chance, like flipping a coin. This helps doctors fairly compare which treatment works best.
What is chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is medicine used to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing.
What is radiotherapy?
Radiotherapy uses targeted rays, similar to X-rays, to destroy cancer cells in a specific area of the body.
Can I stop participating if I change my mind?
Yes, you can choose to leave the study at any time, for any reason. Your medical care will not be affected.
How to find out more
Claudia Pasqualini, MD PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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