Evaluating Valganciclovir for Glioblastoma Treatment
Official title: A Multicenter Randomized Double-blinded Controlled Phase 2 Study Evaluating the Efficacy of Valganciclovir As Add-on Therapy in Glioblastoma Patients
Run by Karolinska Institutet · NCT04116411 · Data updated 2026-05-14
This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.
This study is testing if adding a medication called valganciclovir to standard treatment can help people with glioblastoma fight their cancer better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 220 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Karolinska Institutet Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 3 sites (Oslo and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT04116411 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with newly diagnosed glioblastoma who have undergone radical resection and are able to participate in the study procedures.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with non-newly diagnosed glioblastoma or those who have not undergone radical resection may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This multicenter, randomized, double-blinded phase 2 trial assesses the efficacy and safety of valganciclovir as an add-on therapy for patients with glioblastoma. Participants will receive standard treatment with temozolomide and radiation therapy, combined with either placebo or valganciclovir. The study aims to determine if valganciclovir, known for treating cytomegalovirus infections, can also provide anti-tumoral effects in glioblastoma patients. Patients will be monitored for treatment response and safety over a period of 24 months.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could improve outcomes for glioblastoma patients by potentially enhancing the effectiveness of standard therapies.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of valganciclovir in glioblastoma is a novel approach, previous studies have indicated potential benefits of targeting cytomegalovirus in tumor biology.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Patients aged 18 years or older 2. Patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma, IDH 1 wt, WHO grade IV 3. Radical resection 4. Concomitant treatment with temozolomide and radiation therapy 5. MGMT promoter methylation status 6. Patients with at least KPS 70 , ECOG/WHO 2 7. Patients providing written informed consent 8. Patients cooperative and able to complete all the assessment procedures. 9. Females of child-bearing age must have a negative pregnancy test at screening (all premenopausal women, or in case when menstrual status can not be ascertained in women under the age of 55). Female patient must agree to utilize a highly efficient birth control method throughout the study period (Pearl index \<1, e.g: oral contraception with gestagens, transdermal contraceptives, implants, injectables, intrauterine devices, bilateral tubal occlusion, sexual abstinence or vasectomised partner). The birth control method must be used at least 30 days after treatment end. Pregnancy testing should be performed at monthly intervals due to high teratogenic potential of valganciclovir. Men are recommended to use condoms with female partners during, and for at least 90 days following treatment with Valganciclovir. 10. Patients must be enrolled within 10 weeks after surgery Exclusion Criteria: 1. Patients allergic to, or who do not tolerate Valganciclovir, aciclovir or valaciclovir treatment 2. Patients with decreased cognitive function (below 24 in MMSE test) 3. Pregnant or lactating females 4. Patients not signing informed consent 5. Patient is simultaneously participating in another experimental drug therapy trial 6. Neutrophil count \< 1,5 cells/ 109/L 7. Platelet count \< 150 cells/ 109/L 8. HGB \< 80 g/L 9. Abnormal renal function (GFR \< 30) 10. Secondary glioblastoma, or glioblastoma IDH1 mutated. 11. Unfit for any other reason judged by investigator
Where it's running
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Oslo University Hospital
Oslo, Norway Recruiting -
Stavanger University Hospital
Stavanger, Norway Recruiting -
SE01 Karolinska University Hospital
Solna, Stockholm, Sweden Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Giuseppe Stragliotto, MD, PhD — Karolinska University Hospital
- Study coordinator: Cecilia Soderberg-Naucler, MD, PhD
- Email: cecilia.naucler@ki.se
- Phone: +46702427471
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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LMP744 (an indenoisoquinolone) for people with recurrent glioblastoma
This trial will test whether the drug LMP744 can shrink tumors or slow progression in adults whose glioblastoma has returned after prior treatment.
-
Adding ruxolitinib to standard radiation and temozolomide for newly diagnosed glioblastoma
This trial will try whether adding the oral drug ruxolitinib to standard radiation and temozolomide helps adults newly diagnosed with glioblastoma.
-
Radiation plus tarlatamab for DLL3-expressing tumors
This trial will test whether giving tarlatamab together with standard palliative or consolidative radiation is safe for adults with DLL3-expressing or DLL3-prevalent tumors such as melanoma, medullary thyroid cancer, sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma, esthesioneuroblastoma, and bladder cancer.
-
Using low-intensity magnetic therapy for newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients
This study is testing whether a low-intensity magnetic therapy device can safely help people who have just been diagnosed with glioblastoma.
-
Evaluating Bevacizumab with Focused Ultrasound for Recurrent Glioblastoma
This study is testing if adding focused ultrasound to the standard treatment of Bevacizumab can help people with recurrent glioblastoma feel better and live longer.
-
Using FET-PET fused with MRI to better map and treat glioblastoma
This will try using FET-PET combined with contrast MRI to better identify tumor tissue and guide surgery and treatment for adults with a single, newly diagnosed glioblastoma.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.