NCT05940493 · Nader Sanai
Abemaciclib in Newly Diagnosed Meningioma Patients
What this study is about
This study is being done to learn about how an experimental drug called abemaciclib works in treating patients with a newly-diagnosed grade 3 meningioma. Abemaciclib is a drug that is approved by the FDA, but not for brain tumors. Participants who consent to the trial will have surgical tissue collected from the planned surgical resection and tested.
View original scientific description
This study is being done to learn about how an investigational drug called abemaciclib works in treating patients with a newly-diagnosed grade 3 meningioma. Abemaciclib is a drug that is approved by the FDA, but not for brain tumors. Participants who consent to the trial will have surgical tissue collected from the planned surgical resection and tested. If the tissue shows positive results for RB cells and participants are qualified, they will be enrolled and receive study treatment two to five weeks after completing standard-of-care radiation therapy. This is a randomized clinical trial which means that participants will be randomly assigned to a treatment based on chance, like a flip of a coin. Neither the participant nor the researcher chooses the assigned group. Randomization will help the researchers study how the drug works by comparing the difference between the study drug and the placebo and how they work in treating brain tumors. This is a double-blinded study, which means that neither the participant nor the study team will know which treatment the participant is receiving.
Interventions
DRUG
Abemaciclib
Tablet
DRUG
Placebo
Tablet
Primary outcome measures
Progression-Free Survival Characteristics Over 24 Months
Time frame: Date of randomization to date of protocol-defined disease progression, assessed up to 24 months
Progression-free survival at 24 months (PFS24) will be analyzed using Kaplan-Meier methods.
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
- Participants with newly diagnosed intracranial WHO Grade 3 meningioma; or,
- Participants with previous lower grade meningioma and histopathologically confirmed newly transformation to Grade 3.
- Plan to receive or have received upfront standard of care radiation therapy (RT) for the newly diagnosed WHO Grade 3 meningioma.
- No prior treatment for Grade 3 meningioma other than surgical resection or biopsy and upfront RT. If previously diagnosed with a lower grade meningioma, no prior treatment other than surgical resection or biopsy and no prior RT.
- Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document (personally or by the legally authorized representative, if applicable).
- Participant has voluntarily agreed to participate by giving written informed consent (personally or via legally authorized representative\[s\], and assent, if applicable). Written informed consent for the protocol must be obtained prior to any screening procedures. If consent cannot be expressed in writing, it must be formally document and witnessed, ideally via an independent trusted witness. Participant must be willing and able to comply with scheduled visits, treatment plans, laboratory tests and other procedures.
- Age ≥18 years at time of consent.
- Have a performance status (PS) of ≤2 on the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) scale.
- Ability to swallow oral medications.
- Participant has adequate bone marrow and organ function as defined by the following laboratory values (as assessed by the local laboratory for eligibility):
- Adequate Bone Marrow Function: absolute neutrophil count ≥1,500/mcL, platelets ≥100,000/mcL, and hemoglobin ≥8.0 g/dL (individual may receive erythrocyte transfusions to achieve this hemoglobin level at the discretion of the investigator; initial treatment must no begin earlier than the day after any erythrocyte transfusion).
- Adequate Hepatic Function: total bilirubin ≤1.5x ULN (individuals with Gilbert's syndrome with a total bilirubin ≤2.0x ULN and direct bilirubin within normal limits are permitted), AST/SGOT ≤3x ULN, and ALT/SGPT ≤3x ULN.
- Confirmed negative serum pregnancy test (β-hCG) before starting study treatment or participant who is no longer of childbearing potential due to surgical, chemical, or natural menopause.
- For females of reproductive potential: use of highly effective contraception during study participation and for an additional 3 weeks after the end of treatment administration.
- For males of reproductive potential: use of condoms or other methods to ensure effective contraception with partner and for an additional 3 weeks after the end of treatment administration.
Exclusion criteria
- Prior history of cancer with ongoing treatment of disease.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Known allergic reactions to components of the abemaciclib.
- Active infection or fever \>38.5°C requiring systemic antibiotic, antifungal or antiviral therapy within 4 weeks of Day 1.
- Known to have active (acute or chronic) or uncontrolled severe infection, liver disease such as cirrhosis, decompensated liver disease, and active and chronic hepatitis.
- Known active systemic bacterial infection (requiring IV antibiotics at time of initiating study treatment), fungal infection, or detectable viral infection (such as known HIV positivity or with known HBV or HCV). Screening is not required for enrollment.
- Participant has serious and/or uncontrolled preexisting medical condition(s) that, in the judgment of the investigator, would preclude participation in this study.
- Prior therapy with any CDK4/6 inhibitor. Prior therapy is defined as therapeutic dosing.
- Treatment with another investigational drug within 5 half-lives of the investigational product.
Where
- Phoenix, Arizona
Collaborators
Eli Lilly and Company, Barrow Neurological Institute, Ivy Brain Tumor Center
Related conditions & keywords
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 Mar 13, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations