Fallon's Research Trial

Fallon is currently participating in a research trial called Head Start Protocol III. This is a trial that uses dose intensive Chemotherapyfor children less than ten years of age who have been newly-diagnosed with malignant brain tumors.

This trial consists of a pilot study of two alternative intensive induction chemotherapy regimens, followed by consolidation with myeloblative chemotherapy and autologous stem cell rescue

Fallon is one of 56 children internationally participating in this research trial.

The research study will have two phases:

Induction Phase - lasts 3 to 5 months, during which time FIVE CYCLES of chemotherapy will be given in the hospital. Each cycle is usually 28 days long.

Consolidation Phase - Chemotherapy given during this phase is so strong that it will permanently destroy the child's bone marrow cells. It is for this reason that early in the course of the induction phase, Fallon's peripheral blood stem cells or bone marrow stem cells will be collected and frozen away to "rescue" her bone marrow from the effects of the consolidation phase.

Drugs used in Induction Phase - Cycles 1, 3, & 5
Vincristine, Cisplatin,Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), Etoposide (VP-16), and High Dose Methotrexate. Anti-nausea medicines are given prior to the administration of these drugs.

Drugs used in Consolidation Phase:
Thiotepa, Etoposide, and Carboplatin.

These drugs will be given over 6 days to kill the cancer cells. Then Fallon's stem cells, collected and frozen earlier, will be thawed and returned to her through the indwelling catheter.

Radiation
At the end of the re-infusion of Fallon's stem cells (~ six weeks following), radiation therapy may be used. If it is used, it will be given once daily, five days per week, Mondays through Fridays, for a period of 4-6 weeks.