Collecting samples from children with brainstem tumors
Molecular Analysis of Samples From Patients With Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma and Brainstem Glioma
This study is trying to collect samples from children with brainstem tumors to see if they can find genetic clues that might help create better treatments for these tough cancers.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | N/A to 21 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Children's National Research Institute Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Washington D.C., District of Columbia) |
| Trial ID | NCT01106794 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to prospectively gather specimens from pediatric patients diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) or brainstem glioma, either during their treatment or at the time of autopsy. The focus is on characterizing the molecular abnormalities associated with these tumors, which are known to be highly lethal and currently lack effective therapies. By analyzing various biological samples, including serum, cerebrospinal fluid, and tumor tissue, the study seeks to identify genetic markers that could lead to the development of targeted treatments for these aggressive cancers.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include pediatric patients with a clinical and radiologic diagnosis of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma or other high-grade gliomas originating in the brainstem.
Not a fit: Patients with low-grade gliomas or those with brainstem tumors of different histological types may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to the identification of new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for treating pediatric brainstem tumors.
How similar studies have performed: While this study focuses on a specific molecular analysis approach, similar studies have shown promise in identifying genetic abnormalities in other types of tumors, suggesting potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients of any age with clinical and radiologic diagnosis of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma * Patients with other high-grade gliomas originating in the brainstem * Patients with focal gliomas (WHO grade I/II) of the brainstem Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with any type of infiltrative low grade (WHO grade I and II) or high grade glioma (WHO grade III and IV) originating outside the brainstem * Patients harboring primary brainstem tumors with other histologic diagnoses (e.g., PNET)
Where this trial is running
Washington D.C., District of Columbia
- Children's National Medical Center — Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Javad Nazarian, PhD — Children's National Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Javad Nazarian, PhD
- Email: JNazarian@cnmc.org
- Phone: 202-476-6022
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.