Who can enter
Children up to 18 years of age with an atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (ATRT) not previously treated.
Goal
In this study, we want to learn more about two existing treatments for ATRT. For a subset of children (children between 12 and 36 months old and without metastases), we want to compare these treatments. We will look at how well the treatments work, and what the side effects are.
Background
There are two treatments we can offer for children with ATRT. These are chemotherapy and radiotherapy (radiation), or high-dose chemotherapy combined with stem cell transplantation of the child's own stem cells. Which treatment we give depends on the child's age and whether there are metastases:
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy:
- Children as young as 12 months old without metastases
- Children as young as 36 months old with and without metastases
High-dose chemotherapy combined with stem cell transplantation of own stem cells:
- Children up to 12 months old without metastases
- Children up to 36 months old with metastases
- Children not eligible for radiotherapy
For children between 12 and 36 months of age without metastases, we want to compare these two treatments. Normally, these children are treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Radiotherapy treatment in young children can cause problems with cognitive development. For example, the child may have problems with memory, concentration or speed of thought.
Within this study, we want to divide these children into two groups: one group receives the normal treatment with radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and the other group receives the treatment with high-dose chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant. We want to see if treatment with high-dose chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant works as well to tr the tumor as the normal treatment. We will also look at the effects of both treatments on cognitive development.
All other children with ATRT will be treated according to normal care. However, we will record data on the disease, treatment and side effects to learn more about the treatments.