Treatment options for brain arteriovenous malformations

Treatment of Brain AVMs (TOBAS) Study: A Randomized Controlled Trial and Registry

NA · Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) · NCT02098252

This study is testing different treatment options for people with brain arteriovenous malformations to see which ones work best in preventing serious problems like stroke or death over ten years.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment1000 (estimated)
Ages5 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCentre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) (other)
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations30 sites (Jacksonville, Florida and 29 other locations)
Trial IDNCT02098252 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to determine the best management strategies for patients with brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), whether they are ruptured or unruptured. It will evaluate the effectiveness of medical management versus interventional therapies, including neurosurgery, radiation therapy, and embolization, in reducing the risk of death or debilitating stroke over a 10-year period. The study also seeks to assess if pre-surgical embolization can enhance the safety and efficacy of subsequent treatments. By analyzing long-term outcomes, the study hopes to provide clearer guidance on managing AVMs.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study include any patient diagnosed with a brain AVM, whether it is ruptured or unruptured.

Not a fit: Patients with a hemorrhagic presentation requiring immediate surgical intervention may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly reduce the risk of death and disability for patients with brain AVMs.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in managing brain AVMs with interventional therapies, but this study's comprehensive approach is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Any patient with a brain AVM

Exclusion Criteria:

* Hemorrhagic presentation with mass effect requiring surgical management. In these cases, if a residual AVM is found after the initial surgery, the patient could then be a candidate for TOBAS.

Where this trial is running

Jacksonville, Florida and 29 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: Unruptured Brain Arteriovenous Malformation, Ruptured Brain Arteriovenous Malformation, Arteriovenous Malformations, AVM, BAVM, brain arteriovenous malformation, Stroke, Intracranial Hemorrhage

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.