Triapine + Radiation Therapy for Brain Cancer
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests the safety and optimal dose of triapine combined with radiation therapy for individuals with certain types of recurrent brain cancer, such as glioblastoma or astrocytoma. Triapine may inhibit cancer cell growth, while radiation targets and shrinks tumors. The trial aims to determine the safety and effectiveness of these combined treatments. Ideal participants have a confirmed recurrent astrocytic tumor and have not received radiation in the past six months. As a Phase 1 trial, this research focuses on understanding how the treatment works in people, offering participants the opportunity to be among the first to receive this potentially groundbreaking therapy.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you cannot participate if you are taking medications that cause methemoglobinemia (a blood disorder). It's best to discuss your current medications with the trial team to see if any adjustments are needed.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this treatment is likely to be safe for humans?
Research shows that combining triapine with radiation therapy might be safe and manageable for people with brain cancer. Previous studies have examined this combination for treating recurrent glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor. These studies suggest that triapine, when used with radiation, is generally well-tolerated.
While specific side effects are not detailed, the emphasis on dose and safety ensures close monitoring of participants. This study is in an early phase, aiming to confirm the treatment's safety before larger trials. Triapine has been tested with other treatments, demonstrating promise and a manageable safety profile.12345Why do researchers think this study treatment might be promising?
Triapine is unique because it works by targeting ribonucleotide reductase, an enzyme crucial for DNA synthesis in cancer cells, potentially blocking their ability to multiply. This is different from most standard treatments for brain cancer, which often involve chemotherapy drugs targeting rapidly dividing cells in general or radiation alone. Researchers are excited about Triapine because, when combined with radiation, it may enhance the effectiveness of the treatment, offering hope for improved outcomes in a shorter time frame. This combination approach could provide a more targeted attack on cancer cells, reducing the likelihood of damage to healthy brain tissue.
What evidence suggests that this treatment might be an effective treatment for recurrent brain cancer?
Research has shown that triapine might stop tumors from growing by damaging the DNA in cancer cells, potentially killing them or slowing their growth. In earlier studies, some patients with certain types of cancer experienced stable disease, meaning their cancer did not worsen for a period. In this trial, participants will receive triapine combined with radiation therapy. For glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer, using triapine with radiation therapy has proven safe and possibly beneficial. Although data collection continues, these findings offer hope for better outcomes in treating recurring brain tumors.13678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Stephanie M Yoon
Principal Investigator
City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center LAO
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for patients with recurrent glioblastoma or astrocytoma who have previously undergone standard radiation therapy. Eligible tumors must be no larger than 6 cm in diameter, and there should be a minimum of a 6-month break since the last radiation dose. Patients with new tumors outside the original treatment field and confirmed tumor histology are included.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants undergo intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) once daily 5 days per week for 2 weeks and receive triapine orally 2 hours prior to IMRT on each radiation treatment day
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, with follow-up at 2 weeks after radiation therapy, then every 3 months for up to 2 years
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Triapine
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Lead Sponsor