Evaluating blood samples in patients with high-grade brain tumors

Prospective Observational Study for the Implementation of Liquid Biopsy in the Follow-up of Patients With High-grade Gliomas and Meningiomas

Observational IRCCS San Raffaele · NCT05630664

This study is testing if changes in cell-free DNA in blood samples can help doctors understand how high-grade brain tumors are changing and how well treatments are working for patients.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorIRCCS San Raffaele Academic / other
Locations5 sites (Milano, MI and 4 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05630664 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project aims to assess the role of circulating cell-free DNA in plasma as a biomarker for tumor evolution in patients diagnosed with high-grade gliomas and meningiomas. The study involves collecting plasma samples at four key time points: before surgery, one month post-surgery, one month after completing radiotherapy, and at the time of radiological progression. By analyzing changes in the concentration of cell-free DNA, the study seeks to predict progression-free survival, overall survival, and response to therapies in these patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older with a brain lesion suspected to be a high-grade glioma or meningioma, who are scheduled for biopsy or surgical resection.

Not a fit: Patients with non-neoplastic brain lesions or those who cannot undergo MRI due to contraindications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-invasive method to monitor tumor progression and treatment response in patients with high-grade brain tumors.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of liquid biopsies is gaining traction, this specific approach in high-grade gliomas and meningiomas is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 18 years
* Finding, on an MRI scan of the brain with gadolinium, of a brain lesion compatible with a primary brain tumor, intra- or extra-axial, suspected for a high-grade glioma or a high-grade meningioma, manifested with new onset neurological symptoms
* Clinical indication to perform a biopsy or surgical resection of the lesion
* Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) ≥ 60
* Signature of informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Absolute contraindications to magnetic resonance imaging or to the administration of gadolinium (e.g. patients with pacemakers or other non-magneto-compatible devices)
* Known positivity for HIV, HCV or HBV
* There are clinical, biological or instrumental data suggesting that the brain lesion is non-neoplastic in nature (e.g., abscess, vascular malformation, inflammatory disease of the Central Nervous System)
* Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding

Where this trial is running

Milano, MI and 4 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions High Grade GliomaHigh Grade Meningioma
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.