Active clinical trials for "Glioma"

Background: Bevacizumab is a genetically engineered antibody that blocks the growth of new blood vessels in tumors. Inhibiting the formation of these blood vessels may slow or stop disease progression by diminishing the supply of life-sustaining nutrients and oxygen the blood delivers to the tumor. Bevacizumab is approved for treating colorectal cancer and has shown activity against brain tumor cells in laboratory and animal tests. Objectives: To examine the safety and side effects of bevacizumab in patients with recurrent brain tumors. To determine the anti-tumor activity of bevacizumab in patients with recurrent brain tumors. Eligibility: Patients 18 years of age and older with a brain tumor that continues to grow after receiving standard treatments. Design: Patients complete the following procedures during the study: Infusions of bevacizumab through a vein once every 2 weeks in 4-week treatment cycles. Positron emission tomography (PET) scan before the first dose of bevacizumab, at the end of the first treatment cycle, and as needed after that. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan before the first dose of bevacizumab, within 48-96 hours after the first dose of bevacizumab in the first treatment cycle, and then every 4 weeks. One tube of blood for research is collected at the time of each MRI scan to look at specific cells. Physical and neurological examinations every 2 weeks for the first treatment cycle and then every 4 weeks. Quality-of-life questionnaires every 4 weeks.

RATIONALE: CC-5013 may stop the growth of gliomas by stopping blood flow to the tumor. PURPOSE: Phase I trial to study the effectiveness of CC-5013 in treating patients who have recurrent glioma.

RATIONALE: Immunotoxins can locate tumor cells and kill them without harming normal cells. Immunotoxin therapy may be effective in treating malignant glioma. PURPOSE: Phase I trial to study the effectiveness of immunotoxin therapy before and after surgery in treating patients who have recurrent malignant glioma.

This phase I trial is studying the side effects and best dose of FR901228 in treating children with refractory or recurrent solid tumors or leukemia. Drugs used in chemotherapy use different ways to stop cancer cells from dividing so they stop growing or die

This study will examine the safety and effectiveness of peginterferon alpha-2b (PEG-Intron) alone and together with thalidomide in patients with gliomas (a type of brain tumor). Gliomas are nourished by blood delivered through blood vessels whose formation is stimulated by substances produced by the tumor itself. Stopping the growth of new vessels can slow or prevent tumor growth. The Food and Drug Administration has approved various interferons for treating several diseases, including melanoma and some leukemias. These drugs block new vessel growth in patients with recurrent tumors, but in high doses they produce serious side effects. Therefore, this study will use a low dose of PEG-Intron given weekly instead of high doses given several times a week. Thalidomide, currently approved to treat leprosy, also blocks development of new blood vessel formation. In a recent study of thalidomide given to 36 patients with gliomas, 4 patients had tumor shrinkage, 12 had stable disease for at least 2 months, and at least 3 had responses to treatment lasting 6 to 14 months. Patients 18 years of age and older with a primary glioma whose tumor has recurred or is growing following standard treatment and does not respond to radiation therapy may be eligible for this study. Candidates will be screened with a physical examination, blood and urine tests (including a pregnancy test for women of childbearing potential), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) of the head. Patients will continue treatment cycles as long as the drug is tolerated without serious side effects and the tumor is not growing. While on the study, patients will undergo various tests and procedures as follows: Physical and neurologic examinations every 6 weeks MRI or CT brain scan every 6 weeks to assess tumor status. MRI is a diagnostic test that uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to show structural and chemical changes in tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a table in a narrow cylinder containing a magnetic field. He or she can speak with a staff member through an intercom system at all times during the procedure.

RATIONALE: Drugs used in chemotherapy use different ways to stop tumor cells from dividing so they stop growing or die. Combining more than one drug may kill more tumor cells. PURPOSE: Phase I trial to study the effectiveness of irinotecan plus temozolomide in treating patients who have recurrent primary malignant glioma.

RATIONALE: Drugs used in chemotherapy use different ways to stop tumor cells from dividing so they stop growing or die. Combining more than one drug may kill more tumor cells. PURPOSE: Phase I trial to study the effectiveness of combining temozolomide and O6-benzylguanine in treating patients who have newly diagnosed, recurrent, or progressive anaplastic glioma.

RATIONALE: Drugs used in chemotherapy use different ways to stop tumor cells from dividing so they stop growing or die. PURPOSE: Phase II trial to study the effectiveness of fenretinide in treating patients who have recurrent malignant glioma.

This phase I/II trial is studying the side effects and best dose of imatinib mesylate and to see how well it works in treating patients with a recurrent brain tumor that has not responded to previous surgery and radiation therapy. Imatinib mesylate may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking the enzymes necessary for tumor cell growth.

RATIONALE: Biological therapies such as gefitinib may interfere with the growth of cancer cells and slow the growth of the tumor. Drugs used in chemotherapy use different ways to stop tumor cells from dividing so they stop growing or die. Combining gefitinib with chemotherapy may kill more tumor cells. PURPOSE: Phase I trial to study the effectiveness of combining gefitinib with temozolomide in treating patients who have malignant primary glioma.