Vestibular Schwannoma Clinical Trials 2023

What Are Vestibular Schwannoma Clinical Trials?

This is a particular kind of benign (non-cancerous) brain tumor, also known as an auditory neuroma. A benign brain tumor is an abnormal development in the brain that typically develops slowly over a long period of time and does not spread to other body organs. An acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma) is a benign tumor that grows on the vestibular and auditory nerves that connect your inner ear to your brain. The tumor's strain on the nerve might result in hearing loss and imbalance.

Why is Vestibular Schwannoma Being Studied Through Clinical Trials?

Non-pulsatile tinnitus and adult-onset sensorineural hearing loss are the usual symptoms of vestibular schwannoma. In other people, this remains unreported, and the lesion doesn't show up until it's considerably bigger and exhibiting signs of mass effect. Possible causes include hydrocephalus brought on by effacement of the fourth ventricle as well as cerebellar and brainstem symptoms, such as cranial nerve dysfunction. Vestibular Schwannoma Clinical Trials help determine suitable treatment options as per patient requirements.

What Are the Types of Treatments Available for Vestibular Schwannoma?

Vestibular Schwannoma comes in two varieties: unilateral and sporadic acoustic neuromas. In 95% of patients, these tumors exclusively spread to one side of the body. They are the result of random, non-heritable mutations. They often appear on imaging as a solid nodular mass with an intracanalicular component that frequently causes the porus acusticus to enlarge. When they are bigger, cystic degeneration may be present, and they often exhibit strong contrast enhancement. There may also be hemorrhagic patches, although calcification is usually absent.

What Are Some Recent Breakthrough Clinical Trials for Vestibular Schwannoma?

2011: Hearing Outcomes Using Fractionated Proton Radiation Therapy for Vestibular Schwannoma - This study examines proton radiation, a different form of radiation that is known to protect nearby healthy tissues from radiation. To enhance localization of the tiny tumor target, proton radiation will be administered using fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT). Radiation from proton therapy is seldom felt outside of the tumor's immediate vicinity. By doing this, patients may have fewer adverse effects than they would with conventional radiation therapy. In this study, we want to investigate the effects of fractionated proton radiation on long-term tumor growth control and hearing preservation.

2018: Study of Aspirin in Patients with Vestibular Schwannoma - This phase II prospective, double-blind, randomized, longitudinal trial examines if giving aspirin to VS patients can prevent or reduce the formation of tumors while preserving or enhancing hearing.

Who Are Some of the Key Research Institutions Conducting Vestibular Schwannoma Clinical Trial Research?

Haukeland University Hospital - The primary goal of their research is to deliver high-quality healthcare in a safe manner. According to national standards, a typical 4-5% (NOK 500 mill) of the whole budget is allotted for research activities. In terms of research output, it is the second-largest university hospital in Norway. In addition, Haukeland, the University Hospital and the University of Bergen collaborate closely to bring together multidisciplinary research teams.

Johns Hopkins University - America's first research institution was established on the tenet that by pursuing great ideas and sharing them, we may improve the state of the world. Students and teachers have collaborated on discoveries that have enhanced lives for more than 140 years. Since 1979, researchers at the university's Applied Physics Laboratory and nine academic departments have helped it lead the nation in government funding for research, including Vestibular Schwannoma clinical trials.