A Comparison of Parent and Clinician Reported Toxicities in Standard Radiation Versus Proton Beam Radiation in Children with Posterior Fossa Tumors.

Update - 6/2014:
Findings to date were presented at the following meeting:

Poster Presentation, "Parent and Clinician Reported Toxicities in Children with Posterior Fossa Tumors During Standard Radiation Therapy: A Daily Diary," APHON 2009:  Orlando, FLC.J. Schmus, MSN, CRNP; R. Pollack, MSN, CRNP; C. DiDomenico, MSN, CRNP; C. Reilly, BSN, RN; E. Ely, PhD, RN; S.K. Ogle, MSN, CRNP, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA

Paper Research Presentation, "Parent and Clinician Reported Toxicities in Children with Posterior Fossa Tumors During Standard Radiation Therapy: A Daily Diary," APHON 2011: Anaheim, CA

Project Goal
This unique nursing research study is intended to determine if parents/guardians of children with brain tumors can monitor and manage side effects of treatment during radiation and proton therapy in partnership with clinicians (nurse, nurse practitioners and physicians) to improve care. The goal is to strengthen collaboration between parents/guardians, patients, and clinicians to improve quality of life for the children with brain tumors as they undergo radiation therapy. In addition, we have a unique opportunity to compare the effects of proton beam radiation therapy, a promising, innovative treatment, to the current, available radiation treatment when it becomes available to our patients in 2009.