Could a common antiviral help fight brain cancer?

NCT ID NCT04116411

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: Cecilia Soderberg-Naucler Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase 2 study tests whether adding the antiviral drug valganciclovir to standard treatment (radiation and chemotherapy) can help people with glioblastoma live longer. The idea is that many glioblastomas carry a virus called CMV, which may make the cancer more aggressive. About 220 patients will receive either valganciclovir or a placebo alongside their usual care, and researchers will track survival and tumor progression.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: valganciclovir
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new way to treat glioblastoma by targeting a common virus found in these tumors.
What could go wrong: This is a mid-stage trial, so results are not yet proven. The drug may not improve survival, and side effects from the antiviral are possible.

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.

glioblastoma glioma susceptibility 1

As listed by the trial registrant

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

GLIOBLASTOMA MULTIFORME

Contacts and locations

Locations

Oslo University Hospital

Oslo, Norway
SE01 Karolinska University Hospital

Solna, Stockholm County, SE17164, Sweden
Stavanger University Hospital

Stavanger, Norway

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