Could a common antiviral help fight brain cancer?
NCT ID NCT04116411
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.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 2
Tests whether the treatment actually works, and watches for side effects, in a larger group.
- Participants
-
About 220 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Sep 2019
- Expected to finish
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Sep 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Patients aged 18 years or older 2. Patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma, IDH 1 wt, WHO grade IV 3. Radical resection 4. Concomitant treatment with temozolomide and radiation therapy 5. MGMT promoter methylation status 6. Patients with at least KPS 70 , ECOG/WHO 2 7. Patients providing written informed consent 8. Patients cooperative and able to complete all the assessment procedures. 9. Females of child-bearing age must have a negative pregnancy test at screening (all premenopausal women, or in case when menstrual status can not be ascertained in women under the age of 55). Female patient must agree to utilize a highly efficient birth control method throughout the study period (Pearl index \<1, e.g: oral contraception with gestagens, transdermal contraceptives, implants, injectables, intrauterine devices, bilateral tubal occlusion, sexual abstinence or vasectomised partner). The birth control method must be used at least 30 days after treatment end. Pregnancy testing should be performed at monthly intervals due to high teratogenic potential of valganciclovir. Men are recommended to use condoms with female partners during, and for at least 90 days following treatment with Valganciclovir. 10. Patients must be enrolled within 10 weeks after surgery Exclusion Criteria: 1. Patients allergic to, or who do not tolerate Valganciclovir, aciclovir or valaciclovir treatment 2. Patients with decreased cognitive function (below 24 in MMSE test) 3. Pregnant or lactating females 4. Patients not signing informed consent 5. Patient is simultaneously participating in another experimental drug therapy trial 6. Neutrophil count \< 1,5 cells/ 109/L 7. Platelet count \< 150 cells/ 109/L 8. HGB \< 80 g/L 9. Abnormal renal function (GFR \< 30) 10. Secondary glioblastoma, or glioblastoma IDH1 mutated. 11. Unfit for any other reason judged by investigator
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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
-
Oslo University Hospital
Oslo, Norway
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SE01 Karolinska University Hospital
Solna, Stockholm County, SE17164, Sweden
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Stavanger University Hospital
Stavanger, Norway
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