NCT05521984 · Washington University School of Medicine
Targeting Pediatric Brain Tumors and Relapsed/Refractory Solid Tumors With Sodium Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors (SGLT2i)
What this study is about
This is a pilot phase Ib study of the safety of dapagliflozin (in addition to the usual treatment treatment) for the treatment of pediatric patients with recurrent brain tumors and relapsed/refractory solid tumors. The primary hypothesis is that dapagliflozin is well-tolerated and safe to use in this patient population.
View original scientific description
This is a pilot phase Ib study of the safety of dapagliflozin (in addition to standard of care treatment) for the treatment of pediatric patients with recurrent brain tumors and relapsed/refractory solid tumors. The primary hypothesis is that dapagliflozin is well-tolerated and safe to use in this patient population. The investigators also hypothesize that dapagliflozin will be efficacious as an adjunct to front-line chemotherapy assessed by decreased tumor markers mediated by its pleiotropic metabolic effects.
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
- Diagnosis of a recurrent primary brain tumor with no curative therapy available OR diagnosis of relapsed/refractory solid tumor with no curative option and has trialed past a second line of therapy.
- Measurable disease per the following:
- For patients with brain tumors: measurable disease pediatric Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology Criteria (RANO) criteria
- For patients with solid tumors: measurable disease using response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST 1.1). Includes patients with diagnoses of relapsed or refractory sarcomas, neuroblastoma, and Wilms tumor. Other rare solid tumors can be discussed with study chair.
- Life expectancy \> 12 weeks.
- Prior treatment with radiation alone, chemotherapy alone or combined radiation and chemotherapy is allowed.
- Patient is between 6 and 29 years old (inclusive)
- Patient is capable of swallowing whole pills
- Normal bone marrow and organ function as defined below:
- Leukocytes ≥ 3,000/mcL
- Absolute neutrophil count ≥ 1,500/mcl
- Platelets ≥ 100,000/mcl
- Total bilirubin ≤ 1.5 x IULN
- AST(SGOT)/ALT(SGPT) ≤ 3.0 x IULN
- Creatinine ≤ IULN OR creatinine clearance ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m\^2 for patients with creatinine levels above institutional normal
- Normal room air oxygenation must be documented. If room air oxygen saturation is less than 97%, a diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO) of greater than 80%, must be demonstrated.
- Karnofsky or Lansky performance score of ≥ 60
- Patients of childbearing potential and their partners must agree to use two forms of acceptable contraception (including one barrier method) prior to study entry and for the duration of study participation. Should a female patient or partner of a male patient become pregnant or suspect she is pregnant while participating in this study, she must inform her treating physician immediately.
- Ability to understand and willingness to sign an IRB approved written informed consent document. Legally authorized representatives may sign and give informed consent on behalf of study participants. All patients and/or their parents or legal guardians must sign an IRB approved written informed consent document.
Exclusion criteria
- Current or previous treatment with SGLT2i or thiazolidinedione.
- Current use of high dose dexamethasone (exceeding 4 mg/day). Seven days prior to start of dapagliflozin, patients receiving dexamethasone must be on a stable or decreasing dose (≤ 0.1 mg/kg/day or maximum 4 mg/day). Note that it is preferred that patients not be on dexamethasone during the study.
- A history of other malignancy with the exceptions of malignancies for which all treatment was completed at least 2 years before registration with no evidence of disease and locally treated skin squamous or basal cell carcinoma.
- Type 1 diabetes or current insulin treatment.
- History of stroke or transient ischemic attack (in the last 5 years).
- HbA1c \> 8.5%. The rationale is that this is the level that would require addition of insulin. However, insulin use is excluded in this study due to the increased risk of ketoacidosis.
- Currently receiving any other investigational agents.
- A history of allergic reactions attributed to compounds of similar chemical or biologic composition to dapagliflozin or other agents used in the study.
- Uncontrolled intercurrent illness including, but not limited to, ongoing or active infection, symptomatic congestive heart failure, unstable angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmia, peripheral arterial disease, ketoacidosis, severe kidney disease (estimated glomerular filtration rate eGFR \< 30 mL/min/1.73m\^2), symptomatic hypotension, and chronic/frequent urinary tract infections or yeast infections.
- Pregnant and/or breastfeeding. Women of childbearing potential must have a negative pregnancy test within 14 days prior to first dose of dapagliflozin.
- Patients with HIV are eligible unless their CD4+ T-cell counts are \< 350 cells/mcL or they have a history of AIDS-defining opportunistic infection within the 12 months prior to registration. Concurrent treatment with effective ART according to DHHS treatment guidelines is recommended.
Where
- St Louis, Missouri
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 Jun 10, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations