Mapping brain areas during surgery for brain tumors using electrocorticography

Pilot Investigation of Using Electrocorticogram (ECoG) in Predicting Eloquent Cortex and Post-Operative Functional Outcomes in Patients With Brain Tumors

Not applicable Interventional M.D. Anderson Cancer Center · NCT02754544

This study is testing if a special brain monitoring technique during surgery can help doctors better identify important areas for movement and speech in patients with brain tumors.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment75 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorM.D. Anderson Cancer Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Houston, Texas)
Trial IDNCT02754544 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of electrocorticography (ECoG) in identifying functional brain areas during surgery for patients with brain tumors. By utilizing advanced electrode grids, the study aims to enhance the mapping of brain activity related to motor and speech functions. Patients undergoing tumor resection will have ECoG data recorded during various tasks, which will be compared to existing pre-surgical mapping techniques. The study also seeks to assess the potential impact of ECoG on postoperative neurological and speech outcomes over time.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older undergoing tumor resection for newly diagnosed or recurrent brain tumors near motor or speech areas.

Not a fit: Patients with significant neurological deficits affecting motor or speech functions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more precise tumor resections and improved functional outcomes for patients with brain tumors.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies using electrocorticography for brain mapping have shown promising results, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients undergoing a tumor resection at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center for a newly diagnosed as well as recurrent primary or metastatic brain tumor located in or adjacent to motor and/or speech brain areas
* Patients \>= 18 years of age
* Signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with significant neurological motor deficits of the upper extremities, and/or speech deficits, which would preclude them from performing the while awake intra-operative tasks at the discretion of the principal investigator (PI)
* Patients who have impaired vision and/or hearing and whose performance could affect the study will be excluded at the discretion of the PI

Where this trial is running

Houston, 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 NeoplasmMetastatic Malignant Neoplasm in the BrainRecurrent Brain Neoplasm
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.