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.

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.

glioblastoma

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: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta

    RECRUITING

    Milan, Italy

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