Skip to main content

Brain Tumor clinical trials at UCSF

23 in progress, 7 open to eligible people

Showing trials for
  • New Way to Treat Children and Young Adults With a Brain Tumor Called NGGCT

    open to eligible people ages 3-29

    This phase II trial studies the best approach to combine chemotherapy and radiation therapy (RT) based on the patient's response to induction chemotherapy in patients with non-germinomatous germ cell tumors (NGGCT) that have not spread to other parts of the brain or body (localized). This study has 2 goals: 1) optimizing radiation for patients who respond well to induction chemotherapy to diminish spinal cord relapses, 2) utilizing higher dose chemotherapy followed by conventional RT in patients who did not respond to induction chemotherapy. Chemotherapy drugs, such as carboplatin, etoposide, ifosfamide, and thiotepa, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Radiation therapy uses high energy x-rays or high-energy protons to kill tumor cells and shrink tumors. Studies have shown that patients with newly-diagnosed localized NGGCT, whose disease responds well to chemotherapy before receiving radiation therapy, are more likely to be free of the disease for a longer time than are patients for whom the chemotherapy does not efficiently eliminate or reduce the size of the tumor. The purpose of this study is to see how well the tumors respond to induction chemotherapy to decide what treatment to give next. Some patients will be given RT to the spine and a portion of the brain. Others will be given high dose chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant before RT to the whole brain and spine. Giving treatment based on the response to induction chemotherapy may lower the side effects of radiation in some patients and adjust the therapy to a more efficient one for other patients with localized NGGCT.

    San Francisco 5391959, California 5332921 and other locations

  • Comparing the Addition of Radiation Either Before or After Surgery for Patients With Brain Metastases

    open to eligible people ages 18 years and up

    This phase III trial compares the usual treatment of surgery after stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) to receiving SRS before surgery in treating patients with cancer that has spread to the brain (brain metastases). Stereotactic radiosurgery is a type of radiation therapy that delivers a high dose of radiation to target tumors and minimizes effect on normal surrounding brain tissue. The combination of surgery and radiation may stop the tumor from growing for a few months or longer and may reduce symptoms of brain metastases. This study investigates whether treating with SRS before surgery may be better than SRS after surgery in reducing the possibility of the tumor coming back, reducing or preventing the cancer from spreading to other areas of the brain and reducing the risk of scarring on the brain from radiation.

    San Francisco 5391959, California 5332921 and other locations

  • Intra-Tumoral Injections of Natural Killer Cells for Recurrent Malignant Pediatric Brain Tumors

    open to eligible people ages 1-38

    This phase I trial tests the safety, side effects, and best dose of ex vivo expanded natural killer cells in treating patients with cancerous (malignant) tumors affecting the upper part of the brain (supratentorial) that have come back (recurrent) or that are growing, spreading, or getting worse (progressive). Natural killer (NK) cells are immune cells that recognize and get rid of abnormal cells in the body, including tumor cells and cells infected by viruses. NK cells have been shown to kill different types of cancer, including brain tumors in laboratory settings. Giving NK cells from unrelated donors who are screened for optimal cell qualities and determined to be safe and healthy may be effective in treating supratentorial malignant brain tumors in children and young adults.

    San Francisco 5391959, California 5332921 and other locations

  • Fluoroethyltyrosine for the Evaluation of Intracranial Neoplasm

    open to eligible people ages 4 years and up

    This is a single center study investigating the use of Fluoroethyltyrosine (FET) in the detection of brain tumors. FET accumulates in malignant cells within intracranial neoplasms and can be used to detect recurrent disease and characterize grade of glial neoplasms.

    San Francisco 5391959, California 5332921

  • International Rare Brain Tumor Registry

    open to eligible people ages up to 45 years

    The objective of the International Rare Brain Tumor Registry (IRBTR) is to better understand rare brain tumors through the collection of biospecimens and matched clinical data of children, adolescents, and young adult patients diagnosed with rare brain tumors.

    San Francisco 5391959, California 5332921 and other locations

  • RECMAP-study: Resection With or Without Intraoperative Mapping for Recurrent Glioblastoma

    open to eligible people ages up to 90 years

    Resection of glioblastoma in or near functional brain tissue is challenging because of the proximity of important structures to the tumor site. To pursue maximal resection in a safe manner, mapping methods have been developed to test for motor and language function during the operation. Previous evidence suggests that these techniques are beneficial for maximum safe resection in newly diagnosed grade 2-4 astrocytoma, grade 2-3 oligodendroglioma, and recently, glioblastoma. However, their effects in recurrent glioblastoma are still poorly understood. The aim of this study, therefore, is to compare the effects of awake mapping and asleep mapping with no mapping in resections for recurrent glioblastoma. This study is an international, multicenter, prospective 3-arm cohort study of observational nature. Recurrent glioblastoma patients will be operated with mapping or no mapping techniques with a 1:1 ratio. Primary endpoints are: 1) proportion of patients with NIHSS (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale) deterioration at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery and 2) residual tumor volume of the contrast-enhancing and non-contrast-enhancing part as assessed by a neuroradiologist on postoperative contrast MRI scans. Secondary endpoints are: 1) overall survival (OS), 2) progression-free survival (PFS), 4) health-related quality of life (HRQoL) at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery, and 4) frequency and severity of Serious Adverse Events (SAEs) in each arm. Estimated total duration of the study is 5 years. Patient inclusion is 4 years, follow-up is 1 year. The study will be carried out by the centers affiliated with the European and North American Consortium and Registry for Intraoperative Mapping (ENCRAM).

    San Francisco 5391959, California 5332921 and other locations

  • SUPRAMAX Study: Supramaximal Resection Versus Maximal Resection for High-Grade Glioma Patients (ENCRAM 2201)

    open to eligible people ages 18-90

    A greater extent of resection of the contrast-enhancing (CE) tumor part has been associated with improved outcomes in high-grade glioma patients. Recent results suggest that resection of the non-contrast-enhancing (NCE) part might yield even better survival outcomes (supramaximal resection, SMR). Therefore, this study evaluates the efficacy and safety of SMR with and without mapping techniques in HGG patients in terms of survival, functional, neurological, cognitive, and quality of life outcomes. Furthermore, it evaluates which patients benefit the most from SMR, and how they could be identified preoperatively. This study is an international, multicenter, prospective, 2-arm cohort study of observational nature. Consecutive HGG patients will be operated with supramaximal resection or maximal resection at a 1:3 ratio. Primary endpoints are: 1) overall survival and 2) proportion of patients with NIHSS (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale) deterioration at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively. Secondary endpoints are 1) residual CE and NCE tumor volume on postoperative T1-contrast and FLAIR MRI scans 2) progression-free survival; 3) onco-functional outcome, and 4) quality of life at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively. The study will be carried out by the centers affiliated with the European and North American Consortium and Registry for Intraoperative Mapping (ENCRAM).

    San Francisco 5391959, California 5332921 and other locations

  • ZN-A-1041 Enteric Capsules or Combination in Participants With Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2)-Positive Advanced Solid Tumors

    Sorry, in progress, not accepting new patients

    This will be a Phase 1, multicenter, open-label trial to evaluate the safety, tolerability, PK and efficacy of ZN-A-1041 as a monotherapy or in combination in participants with HER2-positive advanced solid tumors with or without brain metastases. The study will consist of three phases: Phase 1a (dose escalation with ZN-A-1041 monotherapy), Phase 1b (dose escalation with ZN-A-1041 combination therapy) and Phase 1c (dose expansion with ZN-A-1041 combination therapy).

    San Francisco 5391959, California 5332921 and other locations

  • Phase 1-2 Study of ST101 in Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors

    Sorry, in progress, not accepting new patients

    This is an open-label, two-part, phase 1-2 dose-finding study designed to determine the safety, tolerability, PK, PD, and proof-of-concept efficacy of ST101 administered IV in patients with advanced solid tumors. The study consists of two phases: a phase 1 dose escalation/regimen exploration phase and a phase 2 expansion phase.

    San Francisco 5391959, California 5332921 and other locations

  • Pilot Surgical Trial To Evaluate Early Immunologic Pharmacodynamic Parameters For The PD-1 Checkpoint Inhibitor, Pembrolizumab (MK-3475), In Patients With Surgically Accessible Recurrent/Progressive Glioblastoma

    Sorry, in progress, not accepting new patients

    This research study is studying an immunotherapy as a possible treatment for Glioblastoma.

    San Francisco 5391959, California 5332921 and other locations

  • Abemaciclib in Recurrent Glioblastoma

    Sorry, in progress, not accepting new patients

    This research study is studying a targeted therapy as a possible treatment for recurrent glioblastoma (GBM). The following intervention will be used in this study: -Abemaciclib

    San Francisco 5391959, California 5332921 and other locations

  • Berubicin in Adult Subjects With Recurrent Glioblastoma Multiforme

    Sorry, in progress, not accepting new patients

    This is an open-label, multicenter, randomized, parallel, 2-arm, efficacy and safety study. Patients with GBM after failure of standard first line therapy will be randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive berubicin or lomustine for the evaluation of OS. Additional endpoints will include response and progression outcomes evaluated by a blinded central reviewer for each patient according to RANO criteria. A pre-planned, non-binding futility analysis will be performed after approximately 30 to 50% of all planned patients have completed the primary endpoint at 6 months. This review will include additional evaluation of safety as well as secondary efficacy endpoints. Enrollment will not be paused during this interim analysis.

    San Francisco 5391959, California 5332921 and other locations

  • See if Memantine Protects the Brain During Radiation Therapy Treatment for a Brain Tumor

    Sorry, in progress, not accepting new patients

    This phase III trial compares memantine to placebo in treating patients with primary central nervous system tumors. Memantine may block receptors (parts of nerve cells) in the brain known to contribute to a decline in cognitive function. Giving memantine may make a difference in cognitive function (attention, memory, or other thought processes) in children and adolescents receiving brain radiation therapy to treat a primary central nervous system tumors.

    Oakland 5378538, California 5332921 and other locations

  • Entrectinib (RXDX-101) for the Treatment of Patients With Solid Tumors Harboring NTRK 1/2/3 (Trk A/B/C), ROS1, or ALK Gene Rearrangements (Fusions)

    Sorry, in progress, not accepting new patients

    This is an open-label, multicenter, global Phase 2 basket study of entrectinib (RXDX-101) for the treatment of patients with solid tumors that harbor an NTRK1/2/3, ROS1, or ALK gene fusion. Patients will be assigned to different baskets according to tumor type and gene fusion.

    San Francisco 5391959, California 5332921 and other locations

  • Clinical Benefit of Using Molecular Profiling to Determine an Individualized Treatment Plan for Patients With High Grade Glioma

    Sorry, in progress, not accepting new patients

    This is a 2 strata pilot trial within the Pacific Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Consortium (PNOC). The study will use a new treatment approach based on each patient's tumor gene expression, whole-exome sequencing (WES), targeted panel profile (UCSF 500 gene panel), and RNA-Seq. The current study will test the efficacy of such an approach in children with High-grade gliomas HGG.

    San Francisco 5391959, California 5332921 and other locations

  • Fimepinostat in Treating Brain Tumors in Children and Young Adults

    Sorry, in progress, not accepting new patients

    This trial studies how well fimepinostat works in treating patients with newly diagnosed diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, or medulloblastoma, or high-grade glioma that have come back. Fimepinostat may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth.

    San Francisco 5391959, California 5332921 and other locations

  • Functional Organization of the Superior Temporal Gyrus for Speech Perception

    Sorry, accepting new patients by invitation only

    The basic mechanisms underlying comprehension of spoken language are still largely unknown. Over the past decade, the study team has gained new insights to how the human brain extracts the most fundamental linguistic elements (consonants and vowels) from a complex and highly variable acoustic signal. However, the next set of questions await pertaining to the sequencing of those auditory elements and how they are integrated with other features, such as, the amplitude envelope of speech. Further investigation of the cortical representation of speech sounds can likely shed light on these fundamental questions. Previous research has implicated the superior temporal cortex in the processing of speech sounds, but little is known about how these sounds are linked together into the perceptual experience of words and continuous speech. The overall goal is to determine how the brain extracts linguistic elements from a complex acoustic speech signal towards better understanding and remediating human language disorders.

    San Francisco 5391959, California 5332921

  • Secondary BRain Metastases Prevention After Isolated Intracranial Progression on Trastuzumab/Pertuzumab or T-DM1 in Patients With aDvanced Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2+ brEast Cancer With the Addition of Tucatinib

    Sorry, in progress, not accepting new patients

    Patients with advanced HER2+ breast cancer on maintenance trastuzumab/pertuzumab or T-DM1 with 1st or 2nd intracranial disease event (brain metastases) and stable extracranial disease will be enrolled. They will receive local therapy with stereotactic radiosurgery ± surgical resection if indicated followed by enrollment. Patients will continue standard of care trastuzumab/pertuzumab or T-DM1 with the addition of tucatinib. Hormone receptor positive patients requiring endocrine therapy should continue. Study treatment will continue until disease progression or intolerable side effects. Patients on trial with extracranial disease progression with stable intracranial disease should continue tucatinib into next line of therapy.

    San Francisco 5391959, California 5332921 and other locations

  • DSP-0390 in Patients With Recurrent High-Grade Glioma

    Sorry, in progress, not accepting new patients

    This is a study of DSP-0390 in patients with recurrent high grade glioma.

    San Francisco 5391959, California 5332921 and other locations

  • Entrectinib (Rxdx-101) in Children and Adolescents With Locally Advanced Or Metastatic Solid Or Primary CNS Tumors And/Or Who Have No Satisfactory Treatment Options

    Sorry, in progress, not accepting new patients

    This is an open-label, Phase 1/2 multicenter dose escalation study in pediatric patients with relapsed or refractory extracranial solid tumors (Phase 1), with additional expansion cohorts (Phase 2) in patients with primary brain tumors harboring NTRK1/2/3 or ROS1 gene fusions, and extracranial solid tumors harboring NTRK1/2/3 or ROS1 gene fusions.

    San Francisco 5391959, California 5332921 and other locations

  • Neural Coding of Speech Across Human Languages

    Sorry, accepting new patients by invitation only

    The overall goal of this study is to reveal the fundamental neural mechanisms that underlie comprehension across human spoken languages. An understanding of how speech is coded in the brain has significant implications for the development of new diagnostic and rehabilitative strategies for language disorders (e.g. aphasia, dyslexia, autism, et alia). The basic mechanisms underlying comprehension of spoken language are unknown. Researchers are only beginning to understand how the human brain extracts the most fundamental linguistic elements (consonants and vowels) from a complex and highly variable acoustic signal. Traditional theories have posited a 'universal' phonetic inventory shared by all humans, but this has been challenged by other newer theories that each language has its own unique and specialized code. An investigation of the cortical representation of speech sounds across languages can likely shed light on this fundamental question. Previous research has implicated the superior temporal cortex in the processing of speech sounds. Most of this work has been entirely carried out in English. The recording of neural activity directly from the cortical surface from individuals with different language experience is a promising approach since it can provide both high spatial and temporal resolution. This study will examine the mechanisms of phonetic encoding, by utilizing neurophysiological recordings obtained during neurosurgical procedures. High-density electrode arrays, advanced signal processing, and direct electrocortical stimulation will be utilized to unravel both local and population encoding of speech sounds in the lateral temporal cortex. This study will also examine the neural encoding of speech in patients who are monolingual and bilingual in Mandarin, Spanish, and English, the most common spoken languages worldwide, and feature important contrastive differences of pitch, formant, and temporal envelope. A cross-linguistic approach is critical for a true understanding of language, while also striving to achieve a broader approach of diversity and inclusion in neuroscience of language.

    San Francisco 5391959, California 5332921

  • CUDC-907 in Children and Young Adults With Relapsed or Refractory Solid Tumors, CNS Tumors, or Lymphoma

    Sorry, in progress, not accepting new patients

    This research study is evaluating a novel drug called CUDC-907 as a possible treatment for resistant (refractory) pediatric solid tumors (including neuroblastoma), lymphoma, or brain tumors.

    San Francisco 5391959, California 5332921 and other locations

  • Vorinostat and Temozolomide in Treating Patients With Malignant Gliomas

    Sorry, in progress, not accepting new patients

    This phase I trial is studying the side effects and best dose of vorinostat when given together with temozolomide in treating patients with malignant gliomas. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as vorinostat and temozolomide, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. Vorinostat may also stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Vorinostat may help temozolomide work better by making tumor cells more sensitive to the drug. Giving vorinostat together with temozolomide may kill more tumor cells.

    San Francisco 5391959, California 5332921 and other locations

Our lead scientists for Brain Tumor research studies include .

Last updated: