Active clinical trials for "Glioma"

This protocol is designed to assess the need for seizure prophylaxis in the perioperative period for patients undergoing neurosurgical procedure (gross-total resection, sub-total resection or biopsy) for suspected diagnosis of new, recurrent or transformed glioma (WHO grade I-IV) and brain metastasis. This will be determined by observing the impact of Lacosamide (LCM), Levetiracetam (LEV), or no anti-epileptic drug (AED) on whether visits to the emergency department (ED) or hospital re-admissions occur within 30 days after procedure. A secondary endpoint will evaluate the safety and tolerability of LCM and LEV. Exploratory endpoints will evaluate admission duration for the procedure, number of post-operative provider communications (telephone, email, and additional clinic encounters, etc.), and patient risk factors associated with post-operative seizure.

The purpose of this study is to determine if a drug called sorafenib can shrink LGA tumors (low-grade astrocytomas) in children and adults. Previous research has given us a better understanding of this type of tumor by studying the genetic "make-up" of LGAs. From this research, the investigators found that a drug called sorafenib may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the molecules needed for cell growth and by blocking blood flow to the tumor. This trial is studying how well sorafenib works in treating patients with LGAs, and how the effects relate to the specific genetic "make-up" of your particular tumor. This testing of your tumor's genetic make-up is optional and requires available tumor tissue for testing. In summary, the aims of this study are: To see if sorafenib can shrink LGAs; how well sorafenib is tolerated in patients with LGAs; and, how the effects of sorafenib relate to the genetic make-up of individual LGAs (Optional Study)

Central nervous system (CNS) malignancies are the second most common malignancy and the most common solid tumor of childhood, including adolescence. Annually in the United States, approximately 2,200 children are diagnosed with CNS malignancy and rates appear to be increasing. CNS tumors are the leading cause of death from solid tumors in children. Survival duration after diagnosis in children is highly variable depending in part on age at diagnosis, location of tumor, and extent of resection; however, most children with high grade glioma die within 3 years of diagnosis. All patients with high grade glioma experience a recurrence after first-line therapy, so improvements in both first-line and salvage therapy are critical to enhancing quality-of-life and prolonging survival. It is unknown if currently used intravenous (IV) therapies even cross the blood brain barrier (BBB). We have shown in previous phase I trials that a single Superselective Intra-arterial Cerebral Infusion (SIACI) of Cetuximab and/or Bevacizumab is safe for the treatment of recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) in adults, and we are currently evaluating the efficacy of this treatment. Therefore, this phase I/II clinical research trial is an extension of that trial in that we seek to test the hypothesis that intra-arterial Cetuximab and Bevacizumab is safe and effective in the treatment of relapsed/refractory glioma in patients <22 years of age. We expect that this project will provide important information regarding the utility of SIACI Cetuximab and Bevacizumab therapy for malignant glioma in patients <22 years of age and may alter the way these drugs are delivered to our patients in the near future.

This is a Phase 1/2 study of the combination of CTO with lomustine in patients with recurrent malignant glioma to be treated at the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center (PRTBTC) at Duke. The Primary Objectives are: Phase 1: To determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of CTO when combined with lomustine among patients with recurrent malignant glioma (World Health Organization (WHO) grade III or IV) who have not been previously treated with bevacizumab. Phase 2: To assess the efficacy of CTO (either in monotherapy or in combination with lomustine) compared to lomustine alone in patients with recurrent WHO grade IV malignant gliomas that have not been previously treated with bevacizumab based upon 6-month progression free survival (PFS6). Note: This study was terminated early due to funding issues. At the time of termination, the study was still in Phase 1 and no MTD for the combination of CTO and lomustine had been determined for this population. Phase 2 will not proceed.

This study is being done to determine if an investigational cancer treatment called vorinostat combined with fractionated stereotactic radiation therapy (FSRT) is effective in treating recurrent high grade gliomas. The main goal of this research study is to determine the highest dose of vorinostat that can be given to patients with recurrent tumors. The study will also determine the potential side effects and safety of these treatment combinations. Vorinostat is a small molecule inhibitor of histone deacetylase (HDAC). HDAC inhibitors help unravel the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of the cancer cells and make them more susceptible to the treatment with radiation.

This phase I trial is studying the side effects and best dose of erlotinib hydrochloride when given with isotretinoin in treating patients with recurrent malignant glioma. Erlotinib hydrochloride may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Isotretinoin may help cells that are involved in the body's immune response to work better. Giving erlotinib hydrochloride together with isotretinoin may kill more tumor cells

The goal of this clinical research study is to find the highest tolerable dose of lenalidomide combined with Camptosar (irinotecan) as well as to see if this drug combination can help control malignant gliomas. Researchers will also study if a special magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique (dynamic MRI scan) is useful in looking at the effect of treatment on the tumor. Another goal is to learn the effect of lenalidomide on tumor tissue in patients who need surgery for the disease.

OncoGel™ is a new, experimental drug delivery system that allows the slow continuous release of paclitaxel (an approved intravenous anticancer drug), from a gel (ReGel™) over a long period of time. The gel will disappear in 4 to 6 weeks as it releases the paclitaxel. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and tolerability of OncoGel when placed into the tumor resection cavity in the brain following surgical removal of the tumor. Dose escalation is conducted by gradually increasing the amount of OncoGel placed in the resection cavity in small groups of patients, and watching the patients closely for side effects before moving to the next dose level. The study will also test whether OncoGel helps to prevent or delay the tumor from regrowing.

Phase I/II trial to estimate the maximum tolerated dose of imatinib mesylate in newly diagnosed brain stem gliomas and recurrent high grade gliomas and to assess the effectiveness of imatinib mesylate in treating young patients who have newly diagnosed intrinsic brain stem glioma. Imatinib mesylate may interfere with the growth of tumor cells by blocking the enzymes necessary for their growth. Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to damage tumor cells. Combining imatinib mesylate with radiation therapy may kill more tumor cells.

RATIONALE: Current therapies for children with recurrent/progressive high grade gliomas provide very limited benefit to the patient. The anti-cancer properties of Antineoplaston therapy suggest that it may prove beneficial in the treatment of children with recurrent/progressive high grade gliomas. PURPOSE: This study is being performed to determine the effects (good and bad) that Antineoplaston therapy has on children (> 6 months of age) with recurrent/progressive high grade gliomas.