Trial Information

Immunologic Profile of Patients With Newly Diagnosed Medulloblastoma at Initial Diagnosis and During Standard Radiation and Chemotherapy

OBJECTIVES:

Primary

- Evaluate the fraction of peripherally circulating T-regulatory cells (T_regs) in
pediatric patients with newly diagnosed medulloblastoma and compare it to the levels
found in a control group of patients undergoing craniectomy for Chiari malformation.

- Evaluate the longitudinal effects of standard radiotherapy and chemotherapy regimens on
the overall population of lymphocytes as well as the fraction of T_reg cells in
patients with medulloblastoma.

Secondary

- Determine the baseline fraction of T_reg cells in those with non-medulloblastoma
posterior fossa tumors compared to levels found in patients undergoing decompression
for Chiari malformation.

OUTLINE: This is a multicenter study.

Patients with Chiari malformation and patients with posterior fossa tumor undergo standard
surgery. Patients with posterior fossa tumor also receive standard radiotherapy and
chemotherapy.

Blood samples are collected at baseline and periodically to measure the level of circulating
T-regulatory cells.