New hope for glioblastoma: drug infused directly into brain shows promise

NCT ID NCT02861898

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial tests a new way to treat glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer. The drug cetuximab, which blocks a protein that helps tumors grow, is infused directly into the brain's arteries after temporarily opening the blood-brain barrier. Up to 33 newly diagnosed patients will receive this treatment alongside standard chemo and radiation. The goal is to see if this approach is safe and improves survival.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
cetuximab (a drug that blocks a protein called EGFR, often found on glioblastoma cells)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a new way to treat glioblastoma by delivering the drug directly to the brain, potentially improving survival beyond current standard care.
What could go wrong
This is an early-phase trial with only 33 participants, so results may not apply to all patients. The treatment involves repeated infusions and blood-brain barrier disruption, which carries risks like brain swelling or toxicity.

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 are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Lenox Hill Brain Tumor Center

    RECRUITING

    New York, New York, 10075, United States

More trials for these conditions

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