Source: Cancer Resource Room

Clinical trials are research studies designed to find new ways to treat or prevent cancer. Research studies often compare the standard treatment with a new treatment that doctors hope will be better.

In the past, clinical trials were sometimes seen as the last resort for patients who had no other treatment choices. But today, there are research studies for patients who want to prevent cancer and for patients in the earliest stages of cancer. Each study has rules about who can participate -- such as age, type of cancer or prior treatment. Think about asking your doctor if you can take part in a clinical trial.

To find a clinical trial >>>

Currently, there is a clinical trial using a special type of radiation therapy, Proton Beam Radiation, in medulloblastomas. Proton Beam therapy provides a more precise targeting of radiation to the tumor(s) while sparing healthy surrounding tissues.

Children with medulloblastomas who are being treated in The MassGeneral CancerCare for Children, Pediatric Brain Tumor Clinic has access to these clinical trials. To learn more >>>