PI: Kim

Protocol ID: 201111001

Short study title: Analysis of Histological, Genomic, and Molecular Factors in Tumors of the Central Nervous System (Tumor Bank)

Short description: Developing novel therapies in cancer research is highly dependent upon understanding the unique biological characteristics of tumor and blood specimens in our patients. The goal of this study is to collect these samples at the time of surgery and to bank them for research purposes. New patients presenting with suspected or confirmed diagnosis of tumor affecting the central nervous system (brain and spine) qualify to participate in this study. Only tissue that would have normally been discarded will be collected. Related family members are also qualified to participate whether they are healthy or have a cancer diagnosis. Potential participants will be identified in our clinic and will undergo a formal screening and consent process or consent will be obtained after surgery.

Key eligibility criteria:

  • Any sex, age 18 and up
  • Suspected or confirmed diagnosis of tumor affecting the central nervous system (brain and spine)

Patients will be enrolled at the discretion of the treating physician

Enrollment period: 2011 – Current

PI: Kim

Short study title: Mapping Draining Lymph Nodes in Brain Tumors

Short description: The brain has long been regarded as being protected from the body’s immune system, but recent evidence has rediscovered the existence of lymphatic vessels (similar to blood vessels but they instead carry immune cells and antigens) which could play an important role in how the immune system interacts with the brain. It has been technically challenging to use non-invasive methods such as MRI to trace these pathways. The aim of this study is to use a radiopharmaceutical imaging agent called Technetium-99 tilmanocept in order to map lymphatic drainage from the human brain. The administration of this tracer will be given via injection around a tumor resection cavity towards the end of the procedure. A handheld gamma probe detector will be performed during the procedure. Planar imaging and SPECT/CT will be performed using a standard protocol for head and neck lymphatic imaging after the surgery.

Key eligibility criteria:

  • Any sex, age 18 and up
  • Candidate for surgical resection of suspected brain tumor, benign brain tumor (e.g., meningioma), or malignant brain tumor (e.g., metastatic disease or glioma)
  • Excludes: hypersensitivity to dextran, prior brain surgery, prior lymph node resection, pregnancy

Patients will be enrolled at the discretion of the treating physician

Enrollment period: July 2019 – current

PI: Leuthardt

Protocol ID: 201911171

Short study title: Brain Tumor Margin Evaluation using Multispectral Cameras

Short description: The purpose of this study is to investigate a new multispectral camera system on the ability to detect cancerous tissue. Light reflected from tissue surfaces may capture information about cells, which may help classify and identify diseased from healthy tissue. Pictures will be taken of tissue samples removed during surgery and of the brain after tumor surgery.

Key eligibility criteria:

  • Any sex, age 18 and up
  • Patients undergoing craniotomy for brain tumor surgery

Contact person: Robin Haverman, rlhaverman@wustl.edu

Enrollment period: January 2020 – Current

PI: Leuthardt

Protocol ID: 201206006

Short study title: Human Cortical Physiology

Short description: Electrocorticography (ECoG) is a recording method used during brain surgery to measure brain activity. Frequency rhythms that correlate with activity of certain neuronal populations has been used to develop brain-machine interfaces to treat patients with stroke, spinal cord injury, and other neurological conditions. Despite the importance of these brain wave oscillations, the underlying mechanisms and networks are still largely unknown. The goal of this study is to perform ECoG measurements in patients undergoing open brain surgery to map and understand areas involved with important functions such as movement, sensation, and language.

Key eligibility criteria:

  • Any sex, age 18 and up

Patients will be enrolled at the discretion of the treating physician

Enrollment period: Current

PI: Kim

Short study title: Registry of Laser Ablation Surgery

Short description: Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is a novel minimally invasive alternative to open brain surgery for tumors, radiation necrosis, and epileptogenic foci. The NeuroBlate System is a robotic thermotherapy instrument manufactured by Monteris Medical. The purpose of this study is to document safety, procedural outcomes, and quality of life outcomes in patients undergoing LITT with the NeuroBlate System.

Key eligibility criteria:

  • Any sex, age 18 and up
  • Patients scheduled to undergo LITT with the NeuroBlate System
  • Excludes: patients inaccessible for follow-up

Contact person and contact method of who will perform screening:

Enrollment period: October 2015 through December 2023

For more information: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02392078

PI: Chicoine

Protocol ID: PHX-21-500-419-73-29

Short study title: Surgical Outcomes Registry in Neuro-endocrine Tumors

Short description: This is a nationwide registry/database for patients undergoing surgery for neuro-endocrine tumors such as pituitary adenomas and craniopharyngiomas. The goal is to assess outcomes benchmarks such as disease remission rates and quality of life, explore the standard of care across the US, understand the health economics of surgery, and develop risk-assessment tools. Information collected will include patient demographics, diagnosis, surgical approach, biochemical results, outcomes including length of hospital stay and laboratory results, brain imaging results, and quality of life. There will be no change to the current standard of care treatments for patients enrolled in this study.

Key eligibility criteria:

  • Any sex, any age
  • Diagnosis and treatment of neuro-endocrine tumor such as pituitary adenomas and craniopharyngiomas

Contact person: Brigette Vaughn, 314-273-0368, b.vaughn@wustl.edu

Enrollment period: January 2015 – Current

PI: Ray and Osbun

Short study title: Wearable and Wireless Pressure Sensor for Monitoring Skin Pressure (Mercury Patch)

Short description: Hospital-acquired pressure ulcers are preventable problems that carry significant morbidity despite close monitoring. These complications are more prevalent among patients with neurologic injury or paralysis. Our group and other have developed the Mercury Patch, a noninvasive, low-cost, wireless, flexible patch that contains pressure-sensing and transmitting features that could communicate information about continuous skin pressure. The goal of this study is to use the Mercury Patch to record sacral pressure during prolonged neurosurgical procedures and relate them to patient characteristics and outcomes such as pressure ulcer development and bladder/bowel incontinence.

Key eligibility criteria:

  • Age 18 and up
  • Patients scheduled to undergo any cranial or skull base surgery lasting longer than four hours in duration and is able to follow up for 2-4 weeks after surgery
  • Excludes: patients with existing or prior sacral pressure ulcer, pre-existing impaired skin integrity, history of pilonidal cyst, cellulitis, psoriasis, or eczema, patients who are bedridden or have impaired mobility, BMI > 40, lower back tattoos, allergy to silicone adhesives or Tegaderm

Contact person: Linda Koester, 314-362-7368, koesterl@wustl.edu

Enrollment period: November 2021 – Current