Using microdialysis during brain surgery to collect biomarkers for tumors

Intraoperative Microdialysis During Neurosurgery for Central Nervous System Malignancies

Not applicable Interventional Mayo Clinic · NCT04047264

This study is testing if a special device used during brain surgery can help doctors collect important information about brain tumors to improve diagnosis and treatment for patients with these conditions.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMayo Clinic Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rochester, Minnesota)
Trial IDNCT04047264 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the feasibility of using microdialysis catheters during neurosurgery to collect extracellular metabolites from patients with central nervous system malignancies, such as gliomas and metastatic brain tumors. The primary objective is to identify biomarkers that can help differentiate between tumor types and assess tumor-associated processes. Patients will undergo microdialysis for 30 minutes during their standard surgical procedure, and the information gathered may lead to improved diagnostic and treatment strategies for brain tumors. Follow-up will occur for 42 days post-procedure to monitor outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with a diagnosis of glioma, metastatic brain tumors, or those requiring surgical resection of an epileptic focus.

Not a fit: Patients who are not suitable candidates for surgery or belong to vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women or those with uncontrolled illnesses, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment strategies for patients with brain tumors.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of microdialysis in neurosurgery is a novel approach, similar studies have shown promise in biomarker identification for other conditions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age \>= 18 years
* Diagnosis of the following, based on clinical and radiographic evidence:

  * Any glioma
  * Metastatic brain tumor of any primary origin
  * Epileptic focus requiring surgical resection
* Planned neurosurgical procedure for purposes of biopsy or resection of suspected or previously diagnosed brain tumor (primary or metastatic) or epileptic focus as part of routine clinical care
* Willing to undergo neurosurgical resection or biopsy at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minnesota \[MN\])
* Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document

Exclusion Criteria:

* Vulnerable populations: pregnant women, prisoners or the mentally handicapped
* Patients who are not appropriate candidates for surgery due to current or past medical history or uncontrolled concurrent illness

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.
Conditions GliomaGlioblastomaMetastatic Malignant Neoplasm in the Brain
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.