Using clindamycin and triamcinolone to prevent skin side effects from glioblastoma treatment

The PROTECT Study: A Phase II, Open-Label Trial of PROphylactic Skin Toxicity ThErapy With Clindamycin and Triamcinolone in Glioblastoma Patients Treated With Tumor Treating Fields

Phase 2 Interventional Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center · NCT04469075

This study is testing if using clindamycin and triamcinolone can help prevent skin problems for people with glioblastoma who are receiving Tumor Treating Fields treatment.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment58 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Academic / other
Locations8 sites (Evanston, Illinois and 7 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04469075 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of topical clindamycin and triamcinolone in preventing skin-related side effects caused by Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) in patients with newly diagnosed or recurrent glioblastoma. Participants will apply these topical agents while undergoing TTFields treatment, which is known to potentially cause skin toxicity. The study aims to determine if these interventions can improve the tolerability of TTFields therapy. Eligible patients must be able to self-administer the treatments or have someone assist them.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with newly diagnosed or recurrent glioblastoma who are about to start TTFields treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with known allergies to the study agents or preexisting scalp disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce skin-related side effects for glioblastoma patients undergoing TTFields therapy, improving their overall treatment experience.

How similar studies have performed: While this specific approach is novel, similar studies have explored topical treatments for skin toxicity in cancer therapies, showing varying degrees of success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥18 years
* Diagnosis of newly diagnosed or recurrent GBM with plan to initiate treatment with TTFields with or without systemic therapy, confirmed by the enrolling institution
* Able to self-administer topical interventions or has available another person who can apply the topical agents
* Treatment with TTF should be initiated within 7 days of planned initiation on this trial.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Known history of allergy to any ingredient of the study agents
* Preexisting scalp disorders such as psoriasis or dermatitis that, in the opinion of the investigator, will affect the grading of skin adverse events, confirmed by enrolling institution.
* Use of concurrent topical therapy to the scalp for another dermatologic condition
* Active, uncontrolled infection requiring systemic or oral antibiotic therapy within 14 days of enrollment
* Use of greater than 4 mg dexamethasone a day within 14 days of enrollment
* Malignant glioma
* Pregnant Women

Where this trial is running

Evanston, Illinois and 7 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.
Conditions GlioblastomaRecurrent GlioblastomaSkin ToxicityClindamycinTriamcinoloneSkin-Related Side EffectsRecurrent19-342
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.