New light therapy for brain cancer shows promise in early trial
NCT ID NCT03897491
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial tested a light-activated drug called PD L 506 (5-aminolevulinic acid) in 17 adults with a type of aggressive brain tumor called glioblastoma that could not be fully removed by surgery. The drug is given by mouth and then activated by a laser inserted into the brain to kill tumor cells. The study was stopped early, so it is not yet clear if this treatment is safe or effective enough to help patients live longer.
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 (a drug that makes tumor cells sensitive to light)
What this could lead to
If successful, this approach could offer a new treatment option for glioblastoma patients whose tumors cannot be fully removed by surgery.
What could go wrong
This was a very small, early-phase trial that was terminated early, so results are limited. The treatment involves a complex procedure with risks of serious side effects, and it is unclear if it improves survival.
Disclaimer
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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.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Klinikum der Universität München
München, 81377, Germany
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Uniklinik Köln
Cologne, 50924, Germany
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Universitätsklinikum Münster
Münster, 48149, Germany