Investigating brain tumor metabolism during surgery

An Investigation of Brain Tumor Metabolism in Patients Undergoing Surgical Resection

Not applicable Interventional University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center · NCT01668082

This study is testing how brain tumors use sugar during surgery to help doctors better understand the tumors and find any hidden cancer cells.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Dallas, Texas)
Trial IDNCT01668082 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to analyze the metabolic characteristics of brain tumors in patients undergoing surgical resection. By infusing a non-radioactive isotope of glucose (13C) during surgery, researchers will collect tumor samples and perform advanced imaging studies to correlate metabolic profiles with histopathological diagnoses. The study will involve preoperative imaging techniques, including 18FDG-PET and high-resolution MRI, to provide a comprehensive view of the tumor's metabolic activity. The goal is to identify infiltrative tumor cells and enhance understanding of tumor biology.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients with newly identified brain masses requiring surgical resection.

Not a fit: Patients who are unable to provide informed consent or have contraindications to MRI may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnostic accuracy and treatment strategies for patients with brain tumors.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using metabolic profiling for tumor characterization, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Male or female, any age and any racial or ethnic group
* Spanish-speaking patients will be eligible
* Pre-operative brain MR imaging suggestive of a brain tumor or pre-operative imaging showing a tumor or biopsy of a tumor mass prior to planned resection of the mass
* Patient able and willing to provide informed consent or Legal parent or guardian willing and able to provide informed consent for patient under age 18.
* Karnofsky Performance status \> 70%
* Negative serum pregnancy test or child bearing potential terminated by surgery, radiation, menopause or current use of two approved methods of birth control

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patient or legal parent/guardian unable to provide informed consent
* Karnofsky Performance status \< 70%
* Patients who are claustrophobic or have other contraindications to MRI, such as impanted pacemaker device vascular clips, surgical clips, prosthetic valves, pacemakers, otologic implants
* NYHA class III and IV congestive heart failure
* Psychiatric or addictive disorders that preclude obtaining informed consent
* Unstable angina
* Pregnant or lactating women
* Women of childbearing potential who refuse a pregnancy test (performed during screening)

Where this trial is running

Dallas, Texas

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 Brain MassPatients with newly identified brain mass
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.