Brain and Spine Tumors Clinical Trials

GLIOGENE International Case-Control Study of Malignant Glioma
Aims: The goal of this epidemiological study is to learn about the possible factors that may lead to a higher risk of developing a brain tumor such as genetic and environmental factors, including exposure to radiation and/or chemicals. This study is looking for both individuals who have been diagnosed with a glioma and visitors to the Kellogg Center who have never been diagnosed with cancer.
Principal Investigator: Ryan T. Merrell, MD
IRB Approval Number: EH08-327
Funding Source: National Cancer Institute
Contact: Please call 847.570.2025 with questions regarding the study.
Open to Enrollment: Yes

An International, Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Study of Rindopepimut/GM-CSF with Adjuvant Temozolomide in Patients with Newly Diagnosed, Surgically Resected, EGFRvIII-positive Glioblastoma
Aims: The purpose of this research study is to confirm that the addition of Rindopepimut/GM-CSF to Adjuvant Temozolomide improves the overall survival in participants with newly diagnosed EGFRvIII-positive glioblastoma who have undergone resection.
Principal Investigator: Ryan T. Merrell, MD
IRB Approval Number: EH11-311
Funding Source: Celldex Therapeutics
Contact: Please call 847.570.2025 with questions regarding the study.
Open to Enrollment: Yes

A Phase II Study of Rindopepimut/GM-CSF in Patients with Relapsed EGFRvIII-Positive Glioblastoma
Aims: The purpose of this research study is to evaluate whether the addition of the investigational vaccine rindopepimut to bevacizumab can improve the progression free survival of patients with relapsed EGFRvIII positive glioblastoma.
Principal Investigator: Ryan T. Merrell, MD
IRB Approval Number: EH12-095
Funding Source: Celldex Therapeutics
Contact: Please call 847.570.2025 with questions regarding the study.
Open to Enrollment: Yes 

Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Lacosamide for Seizure Prophylaxis in Patients with High-Grade Gliomas
Aims: The purpose of this study is to find out whether treating with lacosamide reduces the risk of seizures in patients with malignant glioma.
Principal Investigator: Ryan T. Merrell, MD
IRB Approval Number: EH12-175
Funding Source: Brain Tumor Trials Collaborative (BTTC)/UCB
Contact: Please call 847.570.2025 with questions regarding the study.
Open to Enrollment: Yes

Natural History of Postoperative Cognitive Function, Quality of Life, and Seizure Control in patients with Supratentorial Low-Risk Grade II Glioma
Aims: The purpose of this study is to understand the effects of brain tumors and surgery on cognitive function, quality of life and seizures.
Principal Investigator: Ryan T. Merrell, MD
IRB Approval Number: EH12-467
Funding Source: Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG)
Contact: Please call 847.570.2025 with questions regarding the study.
Open to Enrollment: Yes