Active clinical trials for "Brain Neoplasms"

RATIONALE: Genetically-modified neural stem cells (NSCs) that convert 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) into the chemotherapy agent 5-FU (fluorouracil) at sites of tumor in the brain may be an effective treatment for glioma. PURPOSE: This clinical trial studies genetically-modified NSCs and 5-FC in patients undergoing surgery for recurrent high-grade gliomas.

The investigators hypothesize that avoidance of the hippocampal region with WBRT (Whole-Brain Radiotherapy ) may delay or reduce the onset, frequency, and/or severity of NCF (neurocognitive function) decline, as measured with clinical neurocognitive tools.

Brain metastases are the most common adult intracranial tumor, occurring in approximately 10% to 30% of adult cancer patients, and represent an important cause of morbidity and mortality in this population. The standard of care for solitary brain metastasis is surgery followed by whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT). Without WBRT, there are unacceptably high levels of local failure that occur. Local recurrence rates ranged from approximately 45% at 1 year to 60% at 2 years after resection alone. However, aside from improvements in intra-cranial control, it is well documented that WBRT is associated with serious long term side effects, including significant decline in short term recall by as early as 4 months after treatment. Many centers are now offering patients stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) to the cavity after resection alone to improve local control while avoiding the negative effects of WBRT. There have been several retrospective studies on the use of SRS to the resection cavity alone, from which the 1 year actuarial local control rates range from 35% - 82%. The high rate of in-field local failure suggests that the current dosing regimen used may not be high enough for adequate local control. Currently, the highest local control rates are approximately 80%, but there may be room for improvement with increased dose without significantly increasing the risk of side effects. The investigators propose a trial for patients after surgical resection of solitary brain metastases. The purpose of this trial will be to determine the maximum tolerated dose for single fraction SRS to the resection cavity. There will be three groups based on the resection cavity size. Dose escalation enrollment will be done sequentially within each cohort. You will know which cohort and which specific dose level you are randomized to. After treatment, which will take one day, regardless of cohort, you will be followed closely for treatment outcome and possible side effects. You will be asked to complete three quick surveys at each follow-up appointment regarding quality of life and memory in addition to standard of care surveillance brain MRI and physical exam.

This phase I clinical trial is studying the side effects and best dose of giving gamma-secretase inhibitor RO4929097 and cediranib maleate together in treating patients with advanced solid tumors. Gamma-secretase inhibitor RO4929097 and cediranib maleate may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Cediranib maleate also may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking blood flow to the tumor.

RATIONALE: Stereotactic radiation therapy may be able to send x-rays directly to the tumor and cause less damage to normal tissue. PURPOSE: This phase II trial is study how well stereotactic radiation therapy works in treating patients with brain metastases

The goal of this clinical research study is to find the highest tolerable dose of DNX-2401 that can be injected directly into brain tumors and into the surrounding brain tissue where tumor cells can multiply. A second goal is to study how the new drug DNX-2401 affects brain tumor cells and the body in general.

RATIONALE: Temsirolimus may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Studying samples of blood and tumor tissue from patients with cancer in the laboratory may help doctors learn more about how this treatment is used by the body. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of using a microdialysis catheter to see what effect temsirolimus has on various biological substances associated with brain tumors over time.

RATIONALE Fractionated radiotherapy uses high-energy photons to kill, or damage tumor cells. High daily dose temozolomide combined with fractionated radiotherapy may make tumor cells more sensible to treatment. PURPOSE This randomized phase II trial, assess in patients with brain metastases from solid tumors, whether the whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) plus temozolomide is able to improve the results obtained with WBRT.

The goal of this clinical research study is to learn whether Tarceva (erlotinib hydrochloride), when given in addition to whole brain radiation therapy, is better to treat brain metastases in patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC).

The purpose of this study is to learn more about imaging changes induced by a new therapeutic agent, bevacizumab with the standard steroid, dexamethasone in patients with high grade glioma. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will be used to evaluate the difference between the 2 treatments. The usual contrast agent (gadolinium) and an iron containing contrast agent called "ferumoxytol" may help us to evaluate the differences between bevacizumab and dexamethasone effects on imaging of a brain tumor called high grade glioma. For this purpose, after intravenous contrast agent injection, special MR scans (called: dynamic perfusion, blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability measurement) will be performed to see the microvascular changes in the brain and tumor.