Outcomes after removing spinal cord gliomas through the dorsolateral sulcus approach

A Registry-Based Cohort Study on the Clinical Outcomes of Spinal Cord Glioma Resection Via the Dorsolateral Sulcus Approach

Observational Beijing Tiantan Hospital · NCT07066475

This project will try the dorsolateral sulcus surgical route in patients aged 3–75 with lateral spinal cord gliomas to see if it preserves neurological function, reduces pain, and improves quality of life compared with the traditional midline approach.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages3 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorBeijing Tiantan Hospital Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, immunotherapy
Locations1 site (Beijing, Beijing Municipality)
Trial IDNCT07066475 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This single-center, registry-based cohort compares clinical outcomes after intramedullary spinal cord glioma resection performed via the dorsolateral sulcus (DLS) approach versus the posterior median sulcus (PMS) approach. Eligible patients are aged 3–75 with histologically confirmed lateralized spinal cord gliomas and available clinical data for follow-up. Outcomes include pain (VAS), neurological function (McCormick grading and JOA score), SF-36 quality of life, and posterior column functional measures collected preoperatively and at scheduled postoperative time points. The registry will use validated clinical scales to compare postoperative function, complications, and quality-of-life trajectories between the two surgical routes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Patients aged 3–75 with histopathologically confirmed, lateralized spinal cord glioma who are scheduled for surgical resection and can provide consent and attend follow-up visits.

Not a fit: Patients with centrally located tumors, recent chemo/radiotherapy or immunotherapy within the exclusion windows, uncontrolled medical conditions, pregnancy, or those outside the 3–75 age range are unlikely to benefit or be eligible for the comparison.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the dorsolateral sulcus approach could reduce neurological injury, lower pain, and improve postoperative quality of life for patients with lateral spinal cord gliomas.

How similar studies have performed: Preliminary clinical observations suggest the dorsolateral approach may better preserve neurological function, but direct comparative evidence is limited and not yet definitive.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age between 3 and 75 years
2. Undergoing surgical resection of spinal cord tumor
3. Histopathological diagnosis of spinal cord glioma based on routine pathological examination
4. Availability of complete clinical data and willingness to participate in follow-up
5. Informed consent obtained from the patient and/or legal guardians or immediate family members

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Age under 3 years or over 75 years
2. Receipt of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or anti-tumor biological therapy within 1 month prior to enrollment
3. Receipt of immunotherapy within 3 months prior to enrollment
4. Participation in other clinical trials within 3 months prior to enrollment
5. History of severe allergic reactions or known allergy-prone constitution
6. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, or individuals of childbearing potential not using adequate contraception
7. Presence of other severe medical conditions or uncontrolled infections
8. History of drug abuse, substance misuse, chronic alcoholism, or HIV infection
9. Uncontrolled epileptic seizures or psychiatric disorders resulting in loss of self-control

Where this trial is running

Beijing, Beijing Municipality

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 Spinal Cord CancerSpinal Cord NeoplasmSpinal Cord TumorSpinal Cord GliomaSpinal Cord AstrocytesIntramedullary tumor
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.