Monitoring 2-hydroxyglutarate levels in glioma patients

Studying the Biology of Higher-Grade Transformation in IDH-mutant Gliomas Via Longitudinal Observation of Tumor Metabolic Reprogramming Using Non-invasive Metabolic Imaging

Phase 2 Interventional National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) · NCT03952598

This study is testing if tracking a substance called 2-hydroxyglutarate in the brains of glioma patients with certain gene mutations can help doctors understand how the disease changes and progresses.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment270 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 120 Years
SexAll
SponsorNational Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) NIH
Locations1 site (Bethesda, Maryland)
Trial IDNCT03952598 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study focuses on understanding the biology of gliomas with IDH mutations by monitoring the accumulation of 2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG) in the brain using advanced imaging techniques like magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Participants aged 18 and older with confirmed IDH1 or IDH2 mutations will undergo a series of evaluations, including medical history reviews, physical exams, and MRI scans. The goal is to detect disease progression and better understand the mechanisms behind higher-grade transformations in gliomas. This longitudinal observation aims to provide insights that could lead to improved diagnostic methods for gliomas.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with histologically confirmed diffuse gliomas harboring IDH1 or IDH2 mutations.

Not a fit: Patients with gliomas that do not have IDH mutations or those under 18 years old may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better monitoring and early detection of aggressive gliomas, potentially improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While studies on gliomas and metabolic imaging exist, this specific approach focusing on longitudinal monitoring of 2-HG in IDH-mutant gliomas is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
* INCLUSION CRITERIA:
* Participants must have histologically confirmed diffuse glioma with documented IDH1 or IDH2 mutation, confirmed by DNA sequencing the exception will be participants with brain lesions that are not safe for biopsy but clinically suspected to be diffuse glioma are allowed to enroll to the study to receive imaging study as part of the exploratory study
* Participants must have measurable disease.
* Age \>=18 years. Tumor biology of IDH-mutant gliomas are different in pediatric tumors. Therefore, children will be excluded from the study.
* Karnofsky performance \>= 70%.
* Participants must have documented normal kidney function as defined below:

Creatinine within normal institutional limits

OR

Creatinine clearance \>60 mL/min/1.73 m2 for Participants with creatinine levels above institutional normal (Measured or calculated creatinine clearance

-Participants must have adequate liver function as defined below:

total bilirubin \<=2x ULN (ULN 1.3 mg/dl) except for participants with Gilbert Syndrome

AST \< 3x ULN (ULN 34U/L)

ALT \< 3x ULN (ULN 55U/L)

-Ability of participants to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document indicating that they are aware of the investigational nature of this study, and that this is not a therapeutic clinical trial.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

* Participants who have contraindication to MRI examination, including, but not limited to, unable to receive gadolinium, medical instability, or any contraindication on MR Screening Form. Pregnant individuals are excluded because MRI contrast, planned to be used on this study, may be dangerous for the fetus. Because there is an unknown but potential risk for adverse events in nursing infants secondary to using of MRI contrast, breastfeeding should be discontinued for 72 hours following study imaging.
* Participants weighing \> 350 lbs. (weight limit for scanner table), or unable to fit within the imaging gantry
* Poorly controlled hypertension, with blood pressure \>150/90 mmHg.
* Congestive heart failure with New York Heart Association (NYHA) status \> 2.
* A medical history of clinically significant EKG abnormalities, including QT prolongation, a family history of prolonged QT interval syndrome, or myocardial infarction (MI) less than 1 year ago with ensuing unstable EKG.
* Ongoing acute or chronic pulmonary bronchospastic disease, including a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma with an exacerbation within the past year.

Where this trial is running

Bethesda, Maryland

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 GliomaGliomasHigh Grade GliomaMalignant GliomaLow Grade GliomaImagingHigher-Grade TransformationBiomarker for Cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.