FASTigial

Recruiting

Who can enter

• Children/adolescents whom will have surgery / had surgery of a tumor in the brain or brainstem

• Age: 2 - 18 years old

• Children/adolescents and parents who understand and speak Dutch

Goal

The goal of this study is to learn more about cerebellar mutism syndrome. Children and adolescents with this syndrome have problems with speaking or cannot speak anymore after surgery.

In the FASTigial study, we investigate factors that influence the onset and recovery of cerebellar mutism syndrome. We will examine clinical and MRI measures which predict the neuropsychological outcome in children with posterior fossa tumors. We will look into following factors:

• MR imaging measures

• Neuropsychological outcome

Background

Around 25% of the children who undergo surgery for a tumor in the cerebellum or brainstem develops cerebellar mutism syndrome. These children can have problems with speaking, but they can also have problems with:

• Precise movements of arms and legs

• Eating and drinking

• Being more irritable

The syndrome is usually temporary. Some children keep having problems with speaking and moving.

We know that this syndrome is caused by the surgery. However, the exact cause and how we can prevent this syndrome, is unknown.
In the European CMS study, we investigate cerebellar mutism syndrome. To gain further insight into this condition, the Princess Máxima Center has linked a research project to this study. This research is called: FASTigial. For this study, we collect data of patients whom will have surgery or had surgery of a tumor in the cerebellum or brainstem.

Data that we collect:

• MR imaging

• Neuropsychological outcome, for example the child’s attention and memory

Some children who participate in this study will develop cerebellar mutism syndrome and other children will not. We will compare these two groups. In this way, we can learn more about this syndrome and the factors that lead to the syndrome and its recovery. We also hope to improve treatment and to prevent this syndrome in the future.

This study will only collect data. The study does not impact treatment.

In order to participate in a study please refer to your/your child’s doctor. This study is only for children/adolescents and parents who understand and speak Dutch.

Last reviewed

March 20, 2026

The above information is intended as a brief summary only and may not reflect the most up-to-date information. For full details and the current status of a protocol, physicians can contact the Princess Máxima Center directly.