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18F-DOPA-PET/MRI Scan in Imaging Elderly Patients with Newly Diagnosed Grade IV Malignant Glioma or Glioblastoma during Planning for a Short Course of Proton Beam Radiation Therapy

Trial Status: closed to accrual

This phase II trial studies how well fluorodopa F 18-positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging scan (18F-DOPA-PET/MRI) works in imaging elderly patients with newly diagnosed grade IV malignant glioma or glioblastoma during planning for a short course of proton beam radiation therapy. 18F-DOPA is a chemical tracer that highlights certain cells during imaging. PET scan, is a metabolic imaging technique which takes advantage of how tumor cells take up nutrients differently than normal tissue. MRI scans are used to guide radiation therapy for most brain tumors. Hypofractionated proton beam therapy delivers higher doses of radiation therapy over a shorter period of time and may kill more tumor cells and have fewer side effects. Using 18FDOPA-PET scans along with MRI scans may be able to provide the radiation doctor with information on tumor tissue versus normal, healthy tissue and may help the doctor more accurately plan the radiation treatment.