Tear Fluid for Detecting Tumor-Linked Particles in Glioblastoma
Official title: Molecular Analysis of Tear Fluid Collected From Glioblastoma Patients: A Two-Phased Pilot Study
Run by City of Hope Medical Center · NCT07775534 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether tear fluid can reveal tumor-associated particles in people with glioblastoma, potentially offering a easier way to monitor the cancer.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | City of Hope Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Duarte, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 23, 2026 |
| Main results expected | February 1, 2029 |
| Study ends | February 1, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | October 30, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07775534 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults with pathologically confirmed glioblastoma who have a Rickham reservoir or shunt, and healthy volunteers willing to provide tears.
✕Probably not a fit
Some participants, particularly those without detectable tear EV signals or with ocular contraindications, may not experience a direct benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional study investigates whether tear-derived extracellular vesicles reflect tumor status in glioblastoma patients. Phase 1 assesses the feasibility of tear collection from patients and healthy controls, while Phase 2 expands to tear and blood collection and standard CSF sampling. The study aims to characterize tear EVs, compare profiles with controls, and explore correlations with radiographic response, recurrence, and tumor pathology. Participants are followed for up to two years, with biospecimen collection and patient-reported data. Lead sites include City of Hope Medical Center with NCI collaboration.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If tear-derived EVs reliably mirror tumor changes, tear testing could offer a less invasive tool to monitor glioblastoma over time.
How similar studies have gone: Other efforts have explored EVs as tumor biomarkers; this tear-based approach for GBM is novel and exploratory.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults (age ≥ 18) * Male and female * All racial and ethnic groups * Pathologically-proven diagnosis of GBM or healthy volunteers * For GBM patients, presence of a previously placed Rickham reservoir or shunt * Able to provide informed consent (or via legal representative) * Willing to undergo Schirmer strip procedure Exclusion Criteria: * Active ocular infection or inflammation * Recent ocular surgery (within 3 months) * Chronic dry eyes * Known allergy or hypersensitivity to topical anesthetics * Cognitive impairment * Pregnancy * Any condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, would interfere with the participant's ability to comply with study procedures or place the participant at undue risk
Where it's running
-
City of Hope Medical Center
Duarte, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Lisa A Feldman — City of Hope Medical Center
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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.