NCT06344130 · National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Hypofractionation Trial of Re-irradiation in Good Prognosis Recurrent Glioblastoma
What this study is about
Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is a cancer of the brain. Current survival rates for people with GBM are poor; survival ranges from 5.2 months to 39 months. Most tumors come back within months or years after treatment, and when they do, they are worse: how long patients live drops to less than 10 months. No standard treatment exists for people whose GBM has returned after radiation therapy.
View original scientific description
Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is a cancer of the brain. Current survival rates for people with GBM are poor; survival ranges from 5.2 months to 39 months. Most tumors come back within months or years after treatment, and when they do, they are worse: Overall survival drops to less than 10 months. No standard treatment exists for people whose GBM has returned after radiation therapy. Objective: To find a safe schedule for using radiation to treat GBM tumors that returned after initial radiation treatment. Eligibility: People aged 18 years and older with grade 4 GBM that returned after initial radiation treatment. Design: Participants will be screened. They will have a physical exam with blood tests. A sample of tumor tissue may be collected. Participants will undergo re-irradiation planning: They will wear a plastic mask over their head during imaging scans. These scans will pinpoint the exact location of the tumor. This spot will be the target of the radiation treatments. Participants will undergo radiation treatment 4 times per week. Some people will have this treatment for 3 weeks, some for 2 weeks, and some for 1 week. Blood tests and other exams will be repeated at each visit. Participants will complete questionnaires about their physical and mental health. They will answer these questions before starting radiation treatment; once a week during treatment; and at intervals for up to 3 years after treatment ends. Participants will have follow-up visits 1 month after treatment and then every 2 months for 6 months. Follow-up clinic visits will continue up to 3 years. Follow-ups by phone or email will continue an additional 2 years.
Interventions
RADIATION
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy will be administered via a linear accelerator using 6 megavoltage (MV) photons or greater.
Primary outcome measures
MTD of daily re-irradiation in participants with recurrent grade 4 gliomas
Time frame: DLT period (28 days)
The number of participants experiencing DLTs within the DLT period will be reported for each hypofractionation schema. The MTD will be identified, and the proportion of participants treated with the MTD experiencing DLT will be reported.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Histologic diagnosis of primary glioblastoma or gliosarcoma of the brain, or secondary glioblastoma of the brain due to transformation from a lower grade to a grade 4 tumor.
- Age \>= 18.
- KPS \>= 70%.
- Previous tumor irradiation to curative-intent doses.
- Radiation dose constraints must be achievable based on assessment with MRI and treatment planning CT.
- Participants must have adequate organ and marrow function as defined below:
- Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) \>= 1,000/microL
- Platelets \>= 100,000/microL
- Individuals of child-bearing potential (IOCBP) and individuals who can father children must agree to use effective contraception (barrier, hormonal, intrauterine device, surgical sterilization, abstinence) from study entry and through 6 months after the last study treatment (restricted period). Individuals who can father children must not freeze or donate sperm within the same period.
- Nursing participants must be willing to discontinue nursing from study treatment initiation through 6 months after the last study treatment.
- The ability of a participant to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document.
Exclusion criteria
- Recent systemic therapy prior to the initiation of the study therapy as follows:
- Bevacizumab used for reasons other than tumor progression or symptomatic management within 2 weeks.
- Temozolomide within 2 weeks.
- Cytotoxic chemotherapy within 3 weeks.
- Any investigational agents within 2 weeks.
- Participants who are unable to undergo MRI evaluation or receive gadolinium contrast for any reason.
- Any prior therapy after surgical re-resection or biopsy within 2 weeks prior to the initiation of the study therapy.
- Requiring radiation therapy within 12 months prior to the initiation of study therapy.
- History of prior therapy with Novacure TTF, Gliadel wafers, or GammaTile therapy.
- Positive beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) pregnancy test performed in individuals of childbearing potential at screening.
- Participants with known or suspected radiation sensitivity syndromes.
- Uncontrolled intercurrent illness evaluated by medical history and physical exam that are not stable and would potentially increase the risk to the participant.
Where
- Bethesda, Maryland
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Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 14, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations