Steroids to protect facial nerve function after skull-base surgery for vestibular schwannoma
Official title: The Effect of Steroids Treatment for Facial Nerve Function Protection in Post-surgical Vestibular Schwannoma Patients (SAF-NRVS): a Multicenter, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-parallel Controlled Trial
Run by Beijing Tiantan Hospital · NCT07116811 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether giving steroids after vestibular schwannoma surgery helps preserve facial nerve function compared with a placebo.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 3 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 364 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Beijing Tiantan Hospital Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | prednisone |
| Locations | 1 site (Beijing, Beijing Municipality) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 9, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | March 30, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | October 26, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07116811 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18-70 with untreated unilateral vestibular schwannoma, no preoperative facial paralysis, and good intraoperative facial nerve function by monitoring.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with contraindications to corticosteroids, NF2, or non-ideal intraoperative nerve preservation may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This multicenter, randomized, double-blind study evaluates the safety and effectiveness of perioperative steroids versus placebo in patients undergoing surgical resection of untreated unilateral vestibular schwannoma with good intraoperative facial nerve function. Eligible adults (18-70) with no preexisting facial weakness and adequate nerve preservation by monitoring are randomized to receive intravenous methylprednisolone followed by prednisone versus placebo for a short postoperative course. The primary goal is to determine if steroids improve facial nerve outcomes without unacceptable safety risks. The trial is conducted at Beijing Tiantan Hospital and uses standardized intraoperative neurophysiological criteria to define preserved nerve function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, steroids could reduce facial nerve palsy after VS surgery, improving facial function and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Past research in idiopathic facial palsy supports steroid use, but efficacy in post-surgical VS patients remains to be demonstrated.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age between 18 and 70 years 2. Diagnosed with untreated unilateral vestibular schwannoma 3. No facial palsy before surgery (House-Brackmann grade I) 4. Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring confirms good facial nerve function preservation, defined as: a)Post-tumor resection, evoked compound muscle action potential amplitude \>420 μV under 0.05 mA stimulation;and b)The amplitude is \>60% of baseline value measured before dural opening 5. Signed informed consent Exclusion Criteria: 1. Contraindications for craniotomy 2. Patients requiring corticosteroids during the perioperative period, or with known corticosteroid contraindications 3. Patients or first-degree relatives with a confirmed diagnosis of neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) 4. Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) score \<90 before disease onset 5. Pregnant or planning to become pregnant during the study period 6. Participation in other interventional clinical trials 7. Judged unsuitable by the investigators
Where it's running
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Beijing Tiantan Hospital
Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Wang Jia, PhD
- Email: jwttyy@126.com
- Phone: 8615510033866
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.