Preventing blood clots in outpatients with newly diagnosed grade 4 glioma using apixaban

Venous Thromboembolism Prevention in Outpatients With Glioma

Phase 2 Interventional University of Vermont Medical Center · NCT05683808

This trial will test whether taking apixaban can prevent dangerous blood clots in adults newly diagnosed with grade 4 glioma.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Vermont Medical Center Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation
Locations1 site (Burlington, Vermont)
Trial IDNCT05683808 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This open-label Phase 2 trial gives apixaban to adults with newly diagnosed WHO grade 4 glioma to prevent venous thromboembolism. Eligible patients with adequate platelets, kidney function, and planned radiation/chemotherapy are enrolled and receive apixaban with regular clinical and imaging follow-up. The study primarily collects safety data on intracranial and other bleeding risks in this high-risk population while recording VTE incidence. Results will help determine whether routine prophylactic anticoagulation is appropriate for patients with grade 4 glioma.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (age ≥18) with newly diagnosed WHO grade 4 malignant glioma, KPS 60–100, acceptable labs (platelets ≥100,000 and GFR ≥25), and planned radiation and chemotherapy are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with recent VTE, active bleeding risk, recent intracranial hemorrhage or major recent surgery, pregnancy, or inadequate labs are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce the number of venous blood clots in patients with high-grade glioma and lower clot-related complications.

How similar studies have performed: Previous trials of primary pharmacologic VTE prevention, including studies using apixaban, have shown safety and efficacy in broader cancer populations but included only small numbers of grade 4 glioma patients, so data in this group remain limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Histologic diagnosis of malignant glioma, World Health Organization (WHO) grade 4, including glioblastoma and astrocytoma, based on recent biopsy or resection.
* Age 18 and old
* Karnofsky performance status (KPS) 60-100
* Acceptable labs, including platelets of greater than or equal to 100,000, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) greater than or equal to 25.
* Ability to provide informed consent.
* Planning for treatment with radiation and chemotherapy.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Evidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), or cerebral vein thrombosis (CVT) within 6 months prior to enrollment on the study.
* Pregnancy.
* Significant bleeding risk including: history of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, active bleeding at time of study registration, clinically significant bleeding within 14 days of study registration, intracranial trauma in the past 6 months, including stroke or traumatic brain injury, major surgery or major procedure within 48 hours.
* Allergy to apixaban or contraindication to prophylactic anticoagulation. Contraindications include patients who are currently on unfractionated heparin, low molecular weight heparin, heparin derivatives (examples: fondaparinux), or other direct oral anticoagulants (examples: dabigatran, edoxaban, rivaroxaban), who are either unable or unable to discontinue these agents in favor of the investigational drug. Apixaban is also contraindicated in patients who are on strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and P-glycoprotein inhibitors.
* Indication for full anticoagulation (i.e. atrial fibrillation, mechanical valve, etc.).
* Estimated life expectancy of \<3 months.

Where this trial is running

Burlington, Vermont

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 GlioblastomaAstrocytomaVenous ThromboembolismHigh grade gliomaVenous thromboembolismApixaban
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.