Brain tumor breakthrough? simple blood test could replace risky biopsies
NCT ID NCT07420543
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a substance called 5-ALA, already used during brain surgery to make tumor cells glow, can also be detected in blood or urine. Researchers hope this 'liquid biopsy' could help diagnose and monitor glioblastoma, the most common and deadly brain tumor, without repeated surgeries. The study will enroll 30 adults with brain tumors to measure 5-ALA levels at different times.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could lead to a simple blood or urine test to monitor brain tumors, reducing the need for invasive biopsies.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study with only 30 participants, so results may not apply to all patients. The test may not be accurate enough for routine use.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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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
-
Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta
RECRUITINGMilan, Italy
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