Gene therapy takes on deadly brain tumors in new trial

NCT ID NCT03596086

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: David Baskin MD Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests a gene therapy (HSV-tk) plus valacyclovir, along with radiation and chemotherapy, in people whose glioblastoma or high-grade astrocytoma has returned. The goal is to see if this combination can improve survival. About 62 participants will receive the treatment directly into the tumor site during surgery, followed by standard therapies.

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 treatment option that extends survival for people with recurrent glioblastoma, a brain cancer with few effective therapies.
What could go wrong: This is an early-phase trial with only 62 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Gene therapy carries risks like inflammation or infection, and the combination with radiation and chemo may cause significant side effects.

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 ASTROCYTOMA, GRADE III 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 grade III glioma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ASTROCYTOMA, GRADE III GLIOBLASTOMA MULTIFORME

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.