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The Brain Tumor Treatment Program at The Moores UCSD Cancer Center is examining biomarkers as an opportunity to advance the treatment of malignant gliomas, a relatively common type of brain tumor, in a new a clinical trial.
The clinical study will enroll 50 patients at
“The
Brain Tumors are one of the most lethal diagnoses, with no known cure. Scientists at the NIH and at universities across the
Biomarkers are molecules or others substances in the blood or tissue that can be used to diagnose or monitor a particular disorder, among other functions. As cells become cancerous, they can release unique proteins and other molecules into the body which scientists use to speed diagnosis and treatment.
“Looking at the underlying genetics of the tumor and its responsiveness to treatment will allow us to personalize therapy,” said Santosh Kesari, MD, PhD, chief of the division of neuro-oncology, in the Department of Neurosciences at UC San Diego,
The purpose of the Phase II clinical trial is to assess the efficacy of oral nilotinib as a treatment for patients living with brain tumors which have PDGFR amplification.
The open-label, non-randomized study will be conducted over two years, with patients visiting the clinic monthly for evaluation. Prior to enrolling on treatment phase of study, tumor samples will be screened for PDGFR amplification.
“If study is positive this will underscore the need for biomarker-based studies and open up a new treatment for which there is no current standard of care,” said Kesari.
For more information on the study, or to enroll contact Alexander Hu at 858-822-5377 or alhu@ucsd.edu.
For more information on Brain Tumor Treatment Program at
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Media contact: Jamee Lynn Smith, 619-543-6163, jlynnsmith@ucsd.edu