Intraoperative neuronal recordings during brain tumor surgery
Official title: Pilot IntraOperative Neuronal Electrophysiology in Tumor rElatEd suRgery (PIONEER Study)
Run by Erasmus Medical Center · NCT06617208 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tries out a Neuropixel probe to record brain activity during awake tumor removal in adults with glioma or brain metastases to explore how neurons interact with tumors.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Erasmus Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Rotterdam, South Holland) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | January 1, 2030 |
| Study ends | January 1, 2030 |
| Registry record updated | October 5, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06617208 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults over 18 with radiologically diagnosed brain tumors undergoing planned surgical resection or biopsy at Erasmus MC, who can consent and tolerate intraoperative monitoring.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who do not have tumor-related neuronal activity changes or who do not benefit from the recording experience may not gain direct clinical benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Adults undergoing awake surgical resection or biopsy for suspected glioma or brain metastasis will have intraoperative neuronal recordings using a Neuropixel probe as part of standard care. The research recordings occur only during the surgical procedure and do not alter the surgical plan. Neurological function will be monitored before and after surgery as part of routine care. The study aims to enroll about ten patients at Erasmus MC over five years, based on historical case volumes. All procedures outside the recordings follow standard clinical practice.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could improve understanding of neuron-tumor interactions and potentially inform future therapies or surgical strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work in this area has demonstrated the feasibility of intraoperative neural recordings, but this specific perioperative recording approach for brain tumors is exploratory.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age \>18 yrs old with radiologically diagnosed brain tumor, suspect for glioma and/or metastasis. * Eligible for surgical resection or biopsy procedure according to standard practice. * Written Informed consent. * Able to undergo intra-operative neuromonitoring. Exclusion Criteria: * History of major psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe treatment-resistant depression) * Previous brain tumour surgery or radiotherapy. * Patient has pacemaker or other implanted electrical device such as vagal nerve stimulator or other. * Inability to give consent.
Where it's running
-
Erasmus MC, Department of Neurosurgery
Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Arnaud Vincent, Prof. dr. — Erasmus Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Koen van der Kuil
- Email: k.vanderkuil@erasmusmc.nl
- Phone: +31641078801
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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.