NCT04692337 · Mayo Clinic
Ommaya Reservoir Placement for Brain Tumor Biomarker Access
What this study is about
The purpose of this study is to determine the safety and feasibility of intra-operative Ommaya Reservoir placement during a clinically indicated operation for brain tumor. The Ommaya reservoir will facilitate a longitudinal access to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for analysis of potential biomarkers for brain tumor research and individualized monitoring.
View original scientific description
The purpose of this study is to determine the safety and feasibility of intra-operative Ommaya Reservoir placement during a clinically indicated operation for brain tumor. The Ommaya reservoir will facilitate a longitudinal access to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for analysis of potential biomarkers for brain tumor research and individualized monitoring.
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
- Age \> 18 years.
- Clinical and radiographic evidence suggesting a diagnosis of a brain tumor.
- Planned neurosurgical procedure resection of suspected or previously diagnosed brain tumor as part of routine clinical care.
- Willing to undergo neurosurgical resection at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN).
- Willingness of the patient or an authorized representative to provide informed consent
- Patient is willing to have their Ommaya sampled on at least 2 future occasions.
- Patients is willing to have CSF banked through the neuro-oncology biorepository (requires a separate signature)
Exclusion criteria
- Vulnerable populations including pregnant women, prisoners and individuals \<18 years old.
- Patients who are not appropriate candidates for surgery due to current or past medical history or uncontrolled concurrent illness.
- Prior history of any wound infection
- Any patient who the surgeon feels is not an optimal candidate for Ommaya reservoir placement. Such reasons could (but need not necessarily) include factors related to surgical anatomy, clinical evidence of significant immunosuppression, and/or elevated risk of wound infection due to diabetes, smoking history, morbid obesity, or any other concerns.
- Any patient for whom a clinical contraindication exists to a lumbar puncture (LP) will be excluded from the LP portion of this protocol, but would still be eligible for an Ommaya reservoir if they meet the inclusion criteria of the study. For example, a patient with a large posterior fossa mass lesion at risk of herniation, or a patient with coagulopathy, or other contraindication to lumbar puncture would not be eligible to participate via use of lumbar puncture for CSF access
Where
- Rochester, Minnesota
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 Feb 13, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations