Brain cancer gene therapy trial aims to boost survival

NCT ID NCT03603405

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

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.

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 ANAPLASTIC ASTROCYTOMA are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

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.

ANAPLASTIC ASTROCYTOMA GLIOBLASTOMA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Houston Methodist Neurological Institute
RECRUITING

Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

More trials for these conditions

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