Restricting Dexamethasone Use in Glioblastoma Treatment

Restrictive Use of Dexamethasone in Glioblastoma

NA · Insel Gruppe AG, University Hospital Bern · NCT04266977

This study is testing if newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients can do well without the usual steroid treatment to see if it helps them avoid side effects and improve their outcomes.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorInsel Gruppe AG, University Hospital Bern (other)
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations4 sites (Sankt Gallen, St.Gallen and 3 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04266977 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the safety of limiting the use of dexamethasone, a steroid commonly administered to glioblastoma patients, during their treatment. It aims to determine if selected patients can be treated effectively without the standard steroid regimen, which is associated with adverse side effects and poor prognostic outcomes. The study focuses on newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients who meet specific criteria, including age and neurological status, and excludes those with certain conditions or prior steroid use. By assessing the impact of reduced steroid use, the study seeks to improve patient outcomes and survival rates.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 90 with newly diagnosed glioblastoma and specific neurological criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with infratentorial lesions, multifocal lesions, or those requiring steroids for other conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved survival rates and reduced side effects for glioblastoma patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of dexamethasone in glioblastoma treatment is standard, this study's approach to restrict its use is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Newly diagnosed supratentorial contrast enhancing lesion suspicious of glioblastoma without major mass effect, amenable to surgical resection
* Age 18 - 90 years
* Midline Shift ≤ 3mm
* GCS ≥ 14
* NIHSS ≤ 3
* Provided written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Infratentorial lesions, brainstem lesions, multifocal lesions
* Therapy with steroids for \>1 day before inclusion
* Need for treatment with steroids due to any other disease
* Contraindications to the administration of Dexamethasone
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Where this trial is running

Sankt Gallen, St.Gallen and 3 other locations

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Glioblastoma, Dexamethasone, Steroids

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.