View clinical trials related to Malignant Gliomas.
Filter by:This study aims to assess the effect of Avastin on brain vascularity and blood-brain permeability using dynamic contrast ct scans (DECT) and MRI imaging. Previous publications have documented the method by which DECT can determine alterations in vascular volume and tissue permeability within tumors and normal brain tissue. Functional maps of cerebral blood flow cerebral blood volume and permeability-surface area can be generated from the DECT studies to assess tumor perfusion. MRI spectroscopy analyzes brain chemistry to detect tumour versus edema versus normal brain. Thirty patients will receive MRI spectroscopy and DECT imaging at the time of presumed recurrence and 3 months later. 15 patients who do not receive Avastin and 15 patients who do receive Avastin as standard treatment for recurrence will be studied with DECT and MRI spectroscopy at baseline and then again in 3 months.
Background: One way tumors are able to grow is by forming new blood vessels that supply them with nutrients and oxygen. Sunitinib blocks certain proteins on the surface of tumor and blood vessel cells that are involved with the formation of new blood vessels. Blocking these proteins may prevent the tumor cells or blood vessels from continuing to grow. Objectives: To determine whether sunitinib can cause tumors to shrink or stabilize in patients with recurrent brain cancer. Eligibility: Patients 18 years of age or older with brain cancer whose disease has worsened after standard treatment with surgery, radiation. Design: Patients take a sunitinib pill once a day in 4-week treatment cycles. Treatment may continue as long as the tumor remains stable or decreases in size and the side effects of treatment are tolerated. Routine blood tests are done every 2 weeks during the first 8 weeks of treatment and then every 4 weeks after that. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are done before starting treatment (at baseline) and at the end of every 4-week cycle to monitor tumor growth. Positron emission tomography (PET) scans are done at baseline and at the end of the first cycle. Neurological and physical examinations are done at baseline, at week 2 of treatment and at the end of every treatment cycle. Health-related quality of life is assessed every 4 weeks. Pregnancy tests, electrocardiograms and echocardiograms are repeated as needed.
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.