Brain cancer gene therapy trial aims to boost survival

NCT ID NCT03603405

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests a gene therapy called HSV-tk, given with valacyclovir, alongside standard radiation and chemotherapy for newly diagnosed glioblastoma or anaplastic astrocytoma. The goal is to see if this combination improves overall survival. About 62 participants will be followed for up to 5 years.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

gene therapy (HSV-tk) plus valacyclovir

What this could lead to

If successful, this could offer a new way to extend survival for people with aggressive brain cancers like glioblastoma.

What could go wrong

This is an early-phase trial with only 62 participants, so results may not apply widely. Gene therapy carries risks like inflammation or infection at the injection site.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anaplastic astrocytoma astrocytoma (excluding glioblastoma) glioblastoma glioma susceptibility 1

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Houston Methodist Neurological Institute

    RECRUITING

    Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••