View clinical trials related to Astrocytoma.
Filter by:This study offers evaluation of patients with brain and spinal cord tumors. Its purpose is threefold: 1) to allow physicians in NIH s Neuro-Oncology Branch to increase their knowledge of the course of central nervous system tumors and identify areas that need further research; 2) to inform participants of new studies at the National Cancer Institute and other centers as they are developed; and 3) to provide patients consultation on possible treatment options. Children (at least 1 year old) and adults with primary malignant brain and spinal cord tumors may be eligible for this study. Participants will have a medical history, physical and neurological examinations and routine blood tests. They may also undergo one or more of the following procedures: - Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) MRI is a diagnostic tool that uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves instead of X-rays to show detailed changes in brain structure and chemistry. For the procedure, the patient lies on a table in a narrow cylinder containing a magnetic field. A contrast material called gadolinium may be used (injected into a vein) to enhance the images. The procedure takes about an hour, and the patient can speak with a staff member via an intercom system at all times. - Computed axial tomography (CAT or CT) CT is a specialized form of X-ray imaging that produces 3-dimensional images of the brain in sections. The scanner is a ring device that surrounds the patient and contains a moveable X-ray source. The scan takes about 30 minutes and may be done with or without the use of a contrast dye. - Positron emission tomography (PET) PET is a diagnostic test that is based on differences in how cells take up and use glucose (sugar), one of the body s main fuels. The patient is given an injection of radioactive glucose. A special camera surrounding the patient detects the radiation emitted by the radioactive material and produces images that show how much glucose is being used by various tissues. Fast-growing cells, such as tumors, take up and use more glucose than normal cells do, and therefore, the scan might indicate the overall activity or aggressiveness of the tumor. The procedure takes about an hour. When all the tests are completed, the physician will discuss the results and potential treatment options with the patient. Follow-up will vary according to the individual. Some patients may end the study with just one visit to NIH, while others may be followed at NIH regularly, in conjunction with their local physicians. Patients with aggressive tumors may be seen every 3 or 4 months, while those with less active tumors may be seen every 6 to 12 months. Permission may be requested for telephone follow-up (with the patient or physician) of patients not seen regularly at NIH. ...
RATIONALE: SU5416 may stop the growth of astrocytoma or glioma by stopping blood flow to the tumor. PURPOSE: Phase I/II trial to study the effectiveness of SU5416 in treating patients who have recurrent astrocytoma or mixed glioma that has not responded to previous radiation therapy.
OBJECTIVES: I. Assess the clinical response of patients with refractory or recurrent brain neoplasms treated with carmustine, streptozocin, and mercaptopurine.
RATIONALE: Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to damage tumor cells. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as temozolomide, carmustine, and lomustine, use different ways to stop tumor cells from dividing so they stop growing or die. Combining radiation therapy with chemotherapy may kill more tumor cells. PURPOSE: This randomized phase III trial is studying radiation therapy and temozolomide to see how well they work compared to radiation therapy and carmustine or lomustine in treating patients with anaplastic astrocytoma or mixed gliomas.
This phase II trial is studying irinotecan to see how well it works in treating children with refractory solid tumors. Drugs used in chemotherapy use different ways to stop tumor cells from dividing so they stop growing or die.
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 leflunomide in treating patients who have anaplastic astrocytoma in first relapse.
RATIONALE: Drugs used in chemotherapy use different ways to stop tumor cells from dividing so they stop growing or die. Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to damage tumor cells. Combining more than one drug with radiation therapy may kill more tumor cells. PURPOSE: Phase II trial to study the effectiveness of combination chemotherapy plus radiation therapy in treating patients who have newly diagnosed anaplastic astrocytoma.
RATIONALE: Current therapies for children with low grade astrocytomas that have not responded to standard therapy provide limited benefit to the patient. The anti-cancer properties of Antineoplaston therapy suggest that it may prove beneficial in the treatment of children with low grade astrocytomas that have not responded to standard therapy PURPOSE: This study is being performed to determine the effects (good and bad) that Antineoplaston therapy has on children (> 6 months of age) with low grade astrocytomas that has not responded to standard therapy.
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 II trial to study the effectiveness of methotrexate, mechlorethamine, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone in treating children with astrocytomas or primitive neuroectodermal tumors.
Glioblastomas, the most frequent malignant brain tumor in adults, are widespread in the brain, despite their discrete appearance on computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). While this tumor tends to spread widely in the brain, unlike other tumors of the body, it rarely metastasizes, or spreads, to other organs. Approximately 10 percent of patients with glioblastoma develop metastatic disease after radiation or brain surgery. In the absence of radiation or brain surgery, few patients have developed disease spread outside the brain. During surgery to remove tumors of other organs of the body, such as the lung, prostate, kidney, or ovary, cells from these tumors are routinely found in the bloodstream. These cells are believed to be the reason for the spread of these tumors. In the case of malignant brain tumors, this process of glioma (tumor) cells shedding into circulation has not yet been investigated. This study will determine whether glioma cells can be detected in the bloodstream of patients undergoing surgery. If glioma cells are absent, it may mean they are unable to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. If they are present, they presumably can penetrate into blood vessels but they may be recognized and eliminated by the immune system, or they may escape detection yet not be able to take hold in the new microenvironment. The results of the study will add to the knowledge of the biology of these highly malignant tumors. Study participants will be admitted to the hospital for 8 to 10 days. They will undergo a complete physical and neurological exam and blood and urine tests. An electrocardiogram will be performed, and x-rays may be taken. On the morning of surgery, the patient will receive sedation intravenously. A tiny plastic tube called a catheter will be introduced into a vein in the groin through needles. The catheter will be passed through to the jugular bulb, right above the jugular vein, on the same side as the tumor. The patient will then be taken to the operating room for surgery. During surgery, not more than one quarter of a unit of blood will be removed through the catheter. The catheter will be removed before the patient enters the intensive care unit. Another MRI will be taken after surgery. The study will enroll participants for 2 years. Patients will be followed at 3 months and 6 months after the surgery to make sure the postoperative period is uneventful.