NCT06039709 · Shayan Moosa, MD
Sonodynamic Therapy in Patients With Recurrent GBM
(GBM 001)
What this study is about
Patients diagnosed with glioblastoma (GBM) are faced with limited treatment options. This pilot study will evaluate the safety and feasibility of combining an experimental drug called 5-ALA with neuronavigation-guided low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) for patients who have recurrent GBM.
View original scientific description
Patients diagnosed with glioblastoma (GBM) are faced with limited treatment options. This pilot study will evaluate the safety and feasibility of combining an investigational drug called 5-ALA with neuronavigation-guided low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) for patients who have recurrent GBM. Focused ultrasound (FUS) can be used to non-invasively destroy tumor tissue while preserving normal tissue. When FUS is combined with 5-ALA, this combinatorial approach is called sonodynamic therapy (SDT), and this investigational therapy is being tested for its ability to cause damage to GBM cells. SDT will take place prior to surgery for recurrent GBM.
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
- Disease status and Disease Parameters:
- Suspected recurrent glioblastoma that is clearly measurable based on the modified Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (RANO) criteria
- The tumor lesion needs to comprise at least 1 contrast-enhancing lesion with a volume of ≥ 2 cm3 and ≤ 20 cm3 of targeted treatment area
- Tumor tissue to be treated is in a surgically accessible brain region for resection
- The brain tumor to be treated must be in the treatment envelope of the NaviFUS system (30 mm to 90 mm from the inner skull table)
- Recurrence will be assessed by imaging and confirmed by consensus at tumor board
- Men or women between the ages of 18-80 years of age at the time of consent
- No contraindication to repeat brain surgery
- Karnofsky Performance Score of 70-100
- Able to undergo an MRI with contrast
- Able to swallow oral medications
- Willingness and ability to comply with scheduled visits, treatment plans, lifestyle considerations, laboratory tests, and other procedures.
- Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document (personally or by the legally authorized representative, if applicable).
- Participants who received prior chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and/or another investigational therapy must have recovered (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events \[CTCAE\] Grade ≤1 or baseline) from the acute effects of the therapy or therapies) except for residual alopecia or Grade 2 peripheral neuropathy prior to registration.
- Has adequate bone marrow and organ function as defined by the following laboratory values (as assessed by the local laboratory for eligibility): Hematological
- Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≥1000/mm3
- Platelets ≥ 100,000/mm3
- Hemoglobin ≥ 11 g/dL for women and ≥ 12 g/dL for men Participants may receive erythrocyte transfusions to achieve this hemoglobin level at the discretion of the investigator.
- INR ≤ 1.4 Renal \& Hepatic
- Creatinine clearance CrCl ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 as estimated by the Cockcroft-Gault (C-G) equation. If estimated CrCl is abnormal, accurate measurement should be obtained by 24- hour CrCl.
- Bilirubin ≤ 1.5 x ULN (except in patients with Gilbert's disease, where bilirubin to 2.0x ULN is allowed).
- AST and ALT ≤ 3 x ULN
- Alkaline phosphatase ≤ 3 x ULN
- Estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥30mL/min/1.73m2
Exclusion criteria
- Known sensitivity or allergy to 5-ALA
- Simultaneous use of other potentially phototoxic substances (e.g. tetracyclines, sulfonamides, fluoroquinolones, hypericin extracts)
- Diagnosis of porphyria
- Hypersensitivity against porphyrins
- Significant cardiac disease or coagulopathy
- Herniation / intractable seizure / other clinical indications requiring urgent resection
- Known active systemic bacterial infection (requiring intravenous \[IV\] antibiotics at time of initiating study treatment), fungal infection, or detectable viral infection (such as known human immunodeficiency virus positivity or with known active hepatitis B or C (for example, hepatitis B surface antigen positive)
- Have had a recent (≤3 months prior to registration) transient ischemic attack or stroke
- Significant vascular disease (e.g. aortic aneurysm)
- Evidence of bleeding diathesis or coagulopathy
- Need for systemic anticoagulation which cannot be held for 7 days prior to SDT
- Unstable angina and/or congestive heart failure (NYH Class III or Class IV; see section 13.2) within 6 months prior to registration
- Severe hypertension (systolic ≥ 180 mm Hg; diastolic ≥ 120 mm Hg) despite anti-hypertensive medications
- Transmural myocardial infarction within 6 months prior to registration
- Serious and inadequately controlled cardiac arrhythmia
- Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Has serious and/or uncontrolled preexisting medical condition(s) that, in the judgment of the investigator, would preclude participation in this study
- Treatment with another investigational drug or investigational procedure within 30 days prior to registration or within 5 half-lives of the investigational product, whichever is longer
- Brain edema and/or mass effect that causes midline shift of more than 15 mm
- Evidence of recent (within 30 days prior to registration) intracranial hemorrhage
- Calcifications or metallic implanted objects in the focused ultrasound sonication path
- Scalp atrophy or scars at the expected location of transducer
- Cerebral or systemic vasculopathy
- Need for or currently on dialysis
- Respiratory: chronic pulmonary disorders (e.g., severe emphysema, COPD, pulmonary vasculitis, or other causes of reduced pulmonary vascular cross-sectional area).
- Receipt of radiotherapy ≤21 days prior to registration
- Receipt of chemotherapy ≤ 21 days prior to registration
- Prior treatment with sonodynamic therapy
- Concurrent use of Optune device
- Concurrent use of supplements or medications with substantial antioxidant effects (including sulfhydryl-containing medications such as captopril or supplements such as N-acetylcysteine, or high doses of vitamins with antioxidant activity such as C or E)
- Known sensitivity to gadolinium
Where
- Charlottesville, Virginia
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 Apr 28, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations