Could a common virus help brain tumors grow? new trial tests Anti-Viral drug in breast cancer patients

NCT ID NCT07383649

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: The Methodist Hospital Research Institute Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 11, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This phase II trial is testing whether an anti-viral drug called valganciclovir (Valcyte) can help treat breast cancer that has spread to the brain. The study includes 28 adults with progressive brain metastases who also have evidence of a common virus called CMV. Participants take the drug for 6 weeks alongside standard care. The goal is to see if targeting the virus can shrink brain tumors and improve quality of life.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Valganciclovir (Valcyte)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could point toward a new way to treat brain metastases in breast cancer patients by targeting a common virus (CMV) that may help tumors grow.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase trial with only 28 participants. It is testing a drug already approved for CMV, not a new treatment for cancer itself, so the benefit may be limited. Side effects from valganciclovir can include kidney problems and low blood cell counts.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for BRAIN CANCER METASTATIC are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

brain cancer breast carcinoma cytomegalovirus infection metastatic malignant neoplasm in the brain

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

BRAIN CANCER METASTATIC CMV VIREMIA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center
RECRUITING

Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.