Surgery for brain tumors before they come back
Official title: Surgical Resection of Latent Brain Tumors Prior to Recurrence
Run by Mayo Clinic · NCT04810871 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether removing brain tumors before they come back can help patients live longer and feel better compared to having surgery at other times or not at all.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Mayo Clinic Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy, radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Rochester, Minnesota) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 6, 2021 |
| Main results expected | March 1, 2028 |
| Study ends | March 1, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | October 7, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04810871 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with confirmed brain tumors who have undergone prior chemotherapy or radiation and have residual tumor visible on imaging.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who have had a complete resection of their brain tumor or those with contraindications to surgery may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the safety and feasibility of surgically removing brain tumors before they recur. It compares outcomes for patients who have surgery after chemotherapy or radiation but before tumor recurrence to those who have surgery at different times or no surgery at all. The study also aims to assess overall survival differences based on the timing of radiation therapy relative to surgery. Additionally, it investigates genetic and molecular changes in tumor tissues and their sensitivity to various therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved survival rates and better management of brain tumors.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results with similar surgical approaches, but this specific timing of intervention is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age \>= 18 years * Histological or cytological confirmation of brain tumor and/or suspected brain tumor based on clinical and radiologic findings * Prior chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment directed to the known/suspected tumor * Radiographic evidence of residual or previously unresected tumor * Willingness to undergo surgery and sign informed consent * Patients not currently eligible for an alternate competing interventional clinical trial * Enrollment in the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center Neuro-Oncology Program Registry for the study of Nervous System Tumors (IRB#12-003458) Exclusion Criteria: * Age \< 18 years * Found to be a member of a vulnerable population (e.g. pregnant, lacking capacity to consent) during the course of pre-enrollment or pre-surgical assessment * Prior gross total resection of brain tumor leading to absence of visible latent disease (exemption available for post-operative enrollment) * Any contraindication to surgery, including anyone who in the opinion of the surgeon is at unreasonably elevated risk of wound complications * Patients who have not yet undergone surgery or radiation, but who would be appropriate candidates for an alternate interventional clinical trial (e.g. post-operative fractionated vs single fraction radiation to the surgical cavity for surgical brain metastases)
Where it's running
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Mayo Clinic in Rochester
Rochester, Minnesota, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Terry C. Burns, MD, PhD — Mayo Clinic in Rochester
- Study coordinator: Clinical Trials Referral Office
- Email: mayocliniccancerstudies@mayo.edu
- Phone: 855-776-0015
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Treatment of newly diagnosed glioblastoma using targeted drug infusion
This study is testing a new way to deliver a targeted drug directly to the brain tumor in people with newly diagnosed glioblastoma to see if it can improve their treatment outcomes.
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Targeting brain tumors with a specific drug infusion and re-irradiation
This study is testing a new way to deliver a drug directly to brain tumors in patients with certain aggressive types of glioblastoma to see if it can improve treatment results.
-
Mapping brain areas during surgery for brain tumors using electrocorticography
This study is testing if a special brain monitoring technique during surgery can help doctors better identify important areas for movement and speech in patients with brain tumors.
-
Evaluating seizures in patients with brain tumors
This study looks at how brain tumors that cause seizures affect people aged 8 and older, and whether surgery can help reduce those seizures and improve thinking skills.
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.