Using Escitalopram to Improve Cognition in Glioma Patients
Official title: A Pilot Study Utilizing Escitalopram to Address Cognitive Dysfunction in Glioma Patients
Run by University of Nebraska · NCT03728673 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if the medication escitalopram can help improve thinking skills and mood in patients with grade IV glioma over 17 weeks.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 19 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Nebraska Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy, radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Omaha, Nebraska) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 6, 2019 |
| Main results expected | June 2027 |
| Study ends | June 2029 |
| Registry record updated | April 17, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT03728673 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 19 and older with a pathologically confirmed diagnosis of grade IV glioma who are planning to undergo chemotherapy and/or radiation.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe renal impairment, those currently taking antidepressants, or individuals with significant mental health issues 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 pilot study focuses on grade IV glioma patients who will be treated with the serotonin selective reuptake inhibitor escitalopram over a 17-week period. The study aims to assess changes in cognitive function and psychosocial factors before and after treatment. Given that a significant number of glioma patients experience cognitive impairment due to the tumor and its treatments, the study hypothesizes that escitalopram may enhance cognitive abilities and improve overall quality of life. Additionally, the study will explore correlations between mood changes and brain imaging results.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve cognitive function and quality of life for glioma patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of SSRIs in glioma patients is a novel approach, there is existing evidence suggesting SSRIs can improve cognitive function in other contexts.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Pathologically proven diagnosis of Grade IV glioma * Newly diagnosed disease to receive chemotherapy and/or radiation * Performance status Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) 0-2 or equivalent * 19 years of age or older * Life expectancy greater than 6 months * Able to provide written informed consent for study participation * Negative urine pregnancy test at enrollment for females of childbearing potential * Female participants must be either post-menopausal (free from menses for 2 or more years), surgically sterilized, or willing to use two adequate barrier forms of contraception Exclusion Criteria: * Hemifield defects (obscures visual field necessary to participate in all tests) * Inability to undergo MRI * Severe renal impairment defined as Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) \<30 mL/minute * Screen positive for depression or anxiety * Already taking an anti-depressant (SSRI or NSRI) * Have problems tolerating past treatment with SSRI or NSRIs
Where it's running
-
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, Nebraska, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nicole A Shonka, MD — University of Nebraska
- Study coordinator: Michaela K Savine, RN
- Email: misavine@unmc.edu
- Phone: 402-836-9488
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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.