NCT07111182 · University of Illinois at Chicago
Intraoperative Fluorescence-Guided Aspirate Tissue Monitoring of 5-ALA During Brain Tumor Surgery
(ATM5-ALA)
What this study is about
Gliomas are tumors that occur in all ages; they include the most common malign primary central nervous system tumors in developed countries. Gliomas are often aggressive, and their recommended treatment is surgical resection and chemoradiation. Complete tumor removal is challenging because of diffuse cell growth and the proximity of functionally critical tissues.
View original scientific description
Gliomas are tumors that occur in all ages; they include the most common malign primary central nervous system tumors in developed countries. Gliomas are often aggressive, and their recommended treatment is surgical resection and chemoradiation. Complete tumor removal is challenging because of diffuse cell growth and the proximity of functionally critical tissues. The current golden standard for intraoperative glioma detection is fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) using 5-ALA. In 5-ALA FGS the drug-induced fluorescence helps to visually detect tumor cells, which improves resection rates and delays tumor progression. Tumor cells are often left unnoticed because of visual obstacles or weak fluorescence, which may lead to local recurrence and reoperations. Surgical suction devices are routinely used to remove cancerous tissues, but so far, the analysis of the suction waste has not been used in near real-time tissue detection.
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
- Patient admitted to neurosurgery department for surgical resection of a suspected grade 3 or 4 glioma with 5-ALA (cases)
- Patient admitted to neurosurgery department for surgical resection of a primary of secondary brain tumor with no 5-ALA (controls)
- Patients aged 18 years old or older (all patients)
- Informed consent obtained (all patients)
Exclusion criteria
- Patient belongs to the following vulnerable groups: children, pregnant, prisoners or intellectually disabled.
- The participants are not randomized. Randomization is not conducted as the number of eligible patients is limited, subjecting to a long recruitment period that reciprocally increases the bias from uncontrollable (evolving) surgical techniques and adjunct treatments.
- The patients are screened and informed of the study before the surgical operation and enrolled after verification of eligibility and written informed consent has been received. Potential study participants are identified from the clinic's planned or urgent surgeries list. The participants are contacted before the operation by the research staff and/or the physician responsible for the treatment. The participants are provided with written and oral information about the research and the time to consider their participation. Finally, the participants are asked for their informed consent and enrolled to the study.
Where
- Chicago, Illinois
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 Nov 12, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations