PI: Kim
Protocol ID: 201111001
Short study title: Analysis of Histological, Genomic, and Molecular Factors in Tumors of the CNS (Tumor Bank)
Short description: 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 CNS qualify to participate in this study. Related family members are also qualified to participate whether they are healthy or have a cancer diagnosis. Potential participants will usually be identified in clinic and will undergo a formal screening and consent process but consent can also be obtained after surgery.
Key eligibility criteria:
- Any sex, age 18 and up
- Suspected or confirmed diagnosis of tumor affecting the CNS
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 (Lymphoseek)
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: 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