Active clinical trials for "Central Nervous System Neoplasms"

RATIONALE: Studying samples of blood and tissue from patients with cancer in the laboratory may help doctors learn more about changes that occur in DNA and identify biomarkers related to cancer. It may also help doctors predict how patients will respond to treatment. PURPOSE: This research study is looking at blood and cheek cell samples from patients with glioma.

RATIONALE: Studying samples of tissue from patients with cancer in the laboratory may help doctors identify and learn more about biomarkers related to cancer. It may also help doctors predict how patients will respond to treatment. PURPOSE: This laboratory study is looking at tissue samples from patients with glioblastoma multiforme to identify biomarkers that may improve the selection of patients for epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor therapies.

RATIONALE: Gathering information about why patients or their guardians agree or decline to participate in the optional pharmacokinetic portion of a phase I treatment study may help doctors plan clinical trials in the future. PURPOSE: This clinical trial is looking at decision making about participating in pharmacokinetic studies in patients enrolled in a phase I treatment clinical trial.

RATIONALE: Analyzing the number and structure of genes found in a child's cancer cells may help doctors improve methods of diagnosing and treating children with brain tumors. PURPOSE: This clinical trial is studying the number and structure of genes in cancer cells of children with brain tumors.

This study will compare the use of two contrast agents to analyze blood flow characteristics of brain tumors.

The purpose of this study is to look at pain control and QOL improvement after treatment with CK Radiosurgery for spinal metastases.

The objective of this study is to evaluate patients with tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) for eligibility in the National Cancer Institute s research studies. These patients will undergo a series of procedures, usually including a complete medical history and physical examination; laboratory testing of blood, CSF, urine, bone marrow, or other samples; an evaluation of tumor location and size by x-rays, CT (computed tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans, or nuclear medicine scans; lumbar puncture; electrocardiogram and echocardiogram; and procedures to evaluate the function of specific organs. A bone marrow biopsy is occasionally performed. Research samples may also be collected and stored to avoid having to do a painful test more than once. Tissue specimens collected during this process may be stored and used in future studies. Patients of both genders, any age, and all racial and ethnic groups with tumors of the CNS or a history of a CNS tumor are eligible. Up to 100 people are expected to participate. The physician will discuss the results of these procedures with the patient and his or her family. On the basis of the eligibility screening and the patient s wishes, the patient may then be enrolled in a primary research protocol.

RATIONALE: Finishing an antibiotic regimen at home may be as effective as receiving it in the hospital. It is not yet known whether early hospital discharge is as effective as standard inpatient care in cancer patients receiving antibiotics for febrile neutropenia. PURPOSE: This randomized phase III trial is studying early hospital discharge and comparing it with standard inpatient care in cancer patients receiving antibiotics for febrile neutropenia.

RATIONALE: Polyvinylpyrrolidone-sodium hyaluronate gel may lessen the pain of oral mucositis, or mouth sores, in patients undergoing treatment for cancer. PURPOSE: This clinical trial is studying how well polyvinylpyrrolidone-sodium hyaluronate gel works in reducing pain from oral mucositis in young patients with cancer.

RATIONALE: Hyperbaric oxygen may increase blood flow and decrease swelling in areas of the brain damaged by radiation therapy. Giving hyperbaric oxygen therapy together with dexamethasone may be an effective treatment for radiation necrosis of the brain. PURPOSE: This randomized clinical trial is studying how well hyperbaric oxygen therapy works in treating patients with radiation necrosis of the brain.