Inducing brain plasticity to improve tumor surgery outcomes
Induction of Cortical Plasticity by Navigated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
This study is testing if a special brain treatment can help improve surgery results for adults with brain tumors by making the brain better at adapting to changes.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Technical University of Munich Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Munich, Bavaria) |
| Trial ID | NCT04553341 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to enhance the surgical resection of adult brain tumors by inducing cortical plasticity through navigated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). The approach focuses on optimizing the extent of resection (EOR) by identifying and utilizing the brain's ability to reorganize functional areas that may be affected by the tumor. By mapping motor and language functions noninvasively, the study seeks to improve surgical outcomes and prolong progression-free survival for patients with infiltrative brain tumors. The methodology involves preoperative assessments and a therapeutic protocol designed to facilitate this plastic reorganization.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 with intracerebral tumors located within areas of cortical function that are planned for resection.
Not a fit: Patients with a prognosis of less than 6 months or those with contraindications for MRI or nTMS will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve surgical outcomes and survival rates for patients with brain tumors.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar approaches, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Intracerebral tumor * Cortical function is located within planned resection area as confirmed by preoperative navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation and/or intraoperative direct electrical stimulation mapping * Informed consent for participation * Age \>18 years Exclusion Criteria: * Prognosis less than 6 months * Contraindications for MRI or nTMS (cardiac pacemaker, deep brain stimulator, cochlea implant * Karnofsky-performance-index \<60%
Where this trial is running
Munich, Bavaria
- Department of Neurosurgery — Munich, Bavaria, Germany (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sandro M Krieg, MD, MBA — Technical University of Munich
- Study coordinator: Sandro M Krieg, MD, MBA
- Email: sandro.krieg@tum.de
- Phone: +49 89 4140 2151
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.