Studying Neurocognitive Effects After Radiotherapy in Adults with Brain and Skull-Base Tumors

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating the long-term effects of multimodal treatment including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery on neurocognitive function in adults with primary brain and base of skull tumors. This study focuses on understanding how radiotherapy impacts cognitive skills such as memory, executive functioning, attention, and language, by linking radiation dose to brain areas vulnerable to damage. The goal is to develop predictive models for neurocognitive decline to aid future treatment planning. Participants will undergo detailed neurocognitive testing, complete self-report questionnaires on cognitive function and quality of life, and receive advanced MRI scans at multiple timepoints. Treatments include photon or proton radiotherapy. Assessments occur before radiotherapy, and then at 3 months, 12 months, and 24 months after radiotherapy. Toxicity and adverse effects will be monitored throughout the study using standardized scoring. During the study, patients will complete cognitive tests such as WAIS digit span, HVLT-R, and Stroop Color Word Test, alongside questionnaires like EORTC QLQ C30 & BN20, STAI, and BDI-II. MRI scans will assess structural and functional brain changes at baseline, 3 months, and 12 months post-radiotherapy. Researchers will measure changes in cognitive scores compared to baseline to evaluate neurocognitive decline and develop prediction models. Safety monitoring will continue until study completion, with total follow-up lasting up to 2 years after radiotherapy.

Neurocognition After Radiotherapy in CNS- and Skull-base Tumors