Sitagliptin for Brain Cancer
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests whether the drug sitagliptin can help the immune system combat brain cancer, specifically glioblastoma. Typically used for diabetes, sitagliptin is being studied to determine if it can target specific immune cells that weaken the body's natural defense against the tumor. Participants will receive sitagliptin either before and after surgery or only after surgery. Individuals diagnosed with glioblastoma and scheduled for tumor removal surgery might be suitable for this trial. As a Phase 2 trial, this research focuses on measuring the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group of people.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, you cannot participate if you are on insulin or sulfonylurea for diabetes, or if you have uncontrolled diabetes. It's best to discuss your specific medications with the trial team.
Is there any evidence suggesting that sitagliptin is likely to be safe for glioblastoma patients?
Research has shown that sitagliptin is generally well-tolerated. In a large study involving over 10,000 patients with type 2 diabetes, sitagliptin proved safe, with most participants not experiencing serious side effects.
Although the FDA has approved sitagliptin for diabetes, its use in treating brain cancer remains experimental. This means that while it is safe for diabetes patients, further research is necessary to confirm its safety for brain cancer patients.
Lab studies have demonstrated sitagliptin's potential in targeting brain cancer cells and aiding the immune system. This early evidence focuses on the drug's mechanism, not its safety in humans. So far, available studies have not reported major safety issues.
As this trial is in an early phase, sitagliptin has not shown serious safety concerns, allowing further research. However, new side effects might still emerge as more people use it for brain cancer.12345Why do researchers think this study treatment might be promising for brain cancer?
Researchers are excited about sitagliptin for brain cancer because this drug offers a new approach by targeting the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) enzyme, which is not typically addressed by current treatments like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Sitagliptin, originally used for diabetes, could potentially disrupt cancer cell growth differently compared to conventional therapies. This novel mechanism of action may provide an additional tool in managing brain cancer, offering hope for improved outcomes.
What evidence suggests that sitagliptin might be an effective treatment for brain cancer?
This trial will evaluate sitagliptin for brain cancer treatment. Studies have shown that sitagliptin might help treat glioblastoma by enhancing the immune system's ability to fight the tumor. Research suggests that sitagliptin can block certain cells that aid the tumor's survival and growth. In animal studies, sitagliptin increased the survival time of mice with tumors. The drug works by inhibiting an enzyme necessary for some immune cells, potentially helping the body fight cancer more effectively. While sitagliptin is approved for treating diabetes, its use for brain cancer remains experimental and under study. Participants in this trial will receive either presurgical and post-surgical treatment with sitagliptin or post-surgical treatment alone.14567
Who Is on the Research Team?
David Peereboom, MD
Principal Investigator
Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for patients with an aggressive brain cancer called grade 4 glioblastoma, who are looking for new treatment options. Specific eligibility criteria details were not provided.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Presurgical Treatment
Participants receive sitagliptin before surgical resection to evaluate its impact on MDSCs
Post-surgical Treatment
Participants receive sitagliptin and chemotherapy until disease progression
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for adverse events and treatment effectiveness
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Sitagliptin
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
Lead Sponsor