Surgery for brain tumors before they come back

Surgical Resection of Latent Brain Tumors Prior to Recurrence

NA · Mayo Clinic · NCT04810871

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

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMayo Clinic (other)
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation
Locations1 site (Rochester, Minnesota)
Trial IDNCT04810871 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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.

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.

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 performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar surgical approaches, but this specific timing of intervention is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Rochester, Minnesota

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: Brain Neoplasm

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.