Brain tumor chemo delivered by pump shows promise in tiny safety trial
NCT ID NCT03154996
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This early-phase study tested whether pumping the chemotherapy drug topotecan directly into the brain is safe for people with recurrent high-grade gliomas (aggressive brain tumors). Only 5 patients took part, and the main goal was to find a safe dose. The drug was delivered continuously through a small pump implanted under the skin. While the trial is too small to say if it works, it lays groundwork for future studies on this direct-delivery approach.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Topotecan (a chemotherapy drug)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a new way to deliver chemotherapy directly to brain tumors, potentially improving treatment for recurrent gliomas.
What could go wrong
This is a very early, tiny trial (only 5 people) focused on safety, not effectiveness. The drug is delivered directly into the brain, which carries risks like infection or brain injury.
Disclaimer
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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.
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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Columbia University Irving Medical Center
New York, New York, 10032, United States