Anesthesia Type for Brain Cancer Survival

Overseen By Emad Al Azazi, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University Health Network, Toronto

Disqualifiers: Pediatric, Pregnant, Adrenal dysfunction, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

Duration: Surgery duration

40 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether the type of anesthesia used during brain cancer surgery affects patient survival. Researchers compare two common anesthesia methods: one using propofol (an intravenous drug) and the other using sevoflurane (a gas). The goal is to determine if one method helps patients with aggressive brain tumors, like high-grade gliomas, live longer without cancer returning. Individuals undergoing surgery for suspected high-grade brain tumors, who have not had prior severe adrenal issues, might be suitable for this trial. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to important research that could improve future surgical outcomes for brain cancer patients.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that these anesthesia types are safe for brain cancer surgery?

Research shows that both propofol and sevoflurane, the anesthetics studied in this trial, are generally safe for people. Studies suggest that propofol might slow brain cancer growth by stopping cancer cells from spreading and potentially helping to kill them. This is promising as it could lead to less aggressive cancer.

Sevoflurane, however, has mixed results. Some research suggests it may slow cancer cell growth by affecting certain genes, but other studies found it could also increase tumor markers, which isn't ideal. Despite these mixed findings, sevoflurane remains widely used in surgeries today, demonstrating its general safety for patients.

Both anesthetics are commonly used in surgeries and have been safely used for years. However, more research is needed to fully understand their effects on cancer growth. Participants in this study can feel reassured knowing these anesthetics have a long history of safe use in surgeries. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this anesthesia trial for brain cancer surgery because it explores how different anesthesia methods might impact patient outcomes. Unlike the typical practice of using a combination of anesthetic agents, this trial compares the effects of sevoflurane, a volatile inhalational agent, and propofol, administered intravenously. Sevoflurane is known for its quick onset and offset, which could lead to faster recovery times, whereas propofol offers a more stable and controlled anesthetic experience. By comparing these two approaches, researchers aim to discover which method better supports brain cancer survival, potentially leading to improved postoperative recovery and outcomes for patients undergoing craniotomy for high-grade gliomas.

What evidence suggests that this trial's anesthesia treatments could be effective for brain cancer survival?

Research suggests that propofol, an anesthesia administered through an IV, might help prevent cancer from spreading. In this trial, some participants will receive propofol-based anesthesia, which studies have associated with lower overall death rates compared to inhaled anesthesia like sevoflurane. Propofol may reduce brain swelling and potentially inhibit cancer cell growth. Other participants will receive sevoflurane, an inhaled anesthesia, which some studies have linked to increased tumor cell growth. However, one study found no difference in survival rates between the two anesthesia types for patients with aggressive brain tumors. While propofol shows promise, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in helping brain cancer patients live longer. ^{2 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Tumul Chowdhury, MD

Principal Investigator

University Health Network, Toronto

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults over 18 years old who are scheduled for their first surgery to remove a high-grade brain tumor using general anesthesia. It's not open to children, pregnant women, those with recurrent GBM, severe adrenal problems, low-grade tumors or conditions that prevent post-op MRI.

Inclusion Criteria

I am scheduled for an elective procedure between July 1, 2022, and December 28, 2023.

I am over 18 years old.

I am scheduled for a surgery to remove a suspected severe brain tumor.

Exclusion Criteria

I am scheduled for or have had an awake brain surgery.

I have been diagnosed with severe adrenal gland problems.

I am not pregnant and not a child.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo elective craniotomy for suspected high-grade gliomas resection and receive either sevoflurane or propofol anesthesia

Surgery duration

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for progression free survival and overall survival, including post-surgery radiotherapy and chemotherapy

6 months

Regular follow-up visits

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Propofol group
• Sevoflurane group

Trial Overview The study compares two types of anesthesia in brain cancer surgery: Propofol (intravenous) and Sevoflurane (gaseous). The goal is to see if one can better prolong life by delaying cancer progression based on previous findings suggesting Propofol might be more protective.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Propofol group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

20 patients scheduled for the elective craniotomy for suspected high-grade gliomas resection will be enrolled and further randomized to receive total intravenous anesthesia (propofol group). Standard fasting and monitoring guidelines will be instituted. All patients will be induced and intubated after administration of intravenous boluses of fentanyl, propofol and rocuronium. For the maintenance phase of anesthesia, patients in the propofol group will receive continuous infusions of propofol and remifentanil. No patients will receive nitrous oxide.

Group II: Sevoflurane group Active Control 1 Intervention

20 patients scheduled for the elective craniotomy for suspected high-grade gliomas resection will be enrolled and further randomized to receive Volatile (sevoflurane group) agent for the maintenance phase of anesthesia. Standard fasting and monitoring guidelines will be instituted. All patients will be induced and intubated after administration of intravenous boluses of fentanyl, propofol and rocuronium. For the maintenance phase of anesthesia, patients in the volatile inhalational anesthesia group will received a volatile inhalational agent (sevoflurane) and remifentanil infusion. No patients will receive nitrous oxide.

Propofol group is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada for the following indications:

Approved in United States as Diprivan for:

• Induction and maintenance of general anesthesia or sedation

Approved in European Union as Propofol-Lipuro for:

• Induction and maintenance of general anesthesia or sedation

Approved in Canada as Propoven for:

• Induction and maintenance of general anesthesia or sedation

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University Health Network, Toronto

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,555

Recruited

526,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

The University of Pittsburgh is using gamma knife stereotactic radiosurgery to treat patients with acoustic tumors who cannot undergo traditional surgery, such as the elderly or those with medical contraindications.

This method delivers a precise radiation dose to the tumor while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues, and early results show promising outcomes compared to over 200 cases treated at the Karolinska Institute.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Gamma knife: an alternative treatment for acoustic neurinomas. Kamerer, DB., Lunsford, LD., Møller, M.[2017]

VP 16-213, a new semisynthetic epipodophyllotoxin, demonstrated clinically valuable antitumor activity in a phase II trial involving 33 patients with solid tumors and acute leukemias, particularly showing promising results in patients with oat cell carcinoma of the lung.

The drug was generally well tolerated, but it commonly caused side effects like leukothrombopenia and hair loss, indicating a need for further studies to optimize its dosage and explore its use in combination therapies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Therapeutic experiences using the new podophyllotoxin derivative VP 16-213 in malignant human tumors]. Jungi, WF., Senn, HJ., Beckmann, C., et al.[2013]

The study involved 13 children with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) who received up to 7 cycles of direct drug infusions into the pons using convection-enhanced delivery, showing that this method is safe and well tolerated with no major surgical complications.

The treatment resulted in tumor control in 10 out of 13 patients, with a median progression-free survival of 13.0 months and overall survival of 15.3 months, indicating that this approach may improve outcomes for DIPG and warrants further clinical trials.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Clinical experience of convection-enhanced delivery (CED) of carboplatin and sodium valproate into the pons for the treatment of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) in children and young adults after radiotherapy. Szychot, E., Walker, D., Collins, P., et al.[2021]

In a study of 1,508 patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), those who received propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) had significantly better recurrence-free survival (RFS) of 7.7 years compared to 6.8 years for those who received inhalation anesthesia.

TIVA also resulted in improved overall survival (OS) with a median of 8.4 years versus 7.3 years for inhalation anesthesia, indicating that TIVA may be a more effective anesthetic approach for patients undergoing curative surgery for NSCLC.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of total intravenous versus inhalation anesthesia on long-term oncological outcomes in patients undergoing curative resection for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer: a retrospective cohort study. Seo, KH., Hong, JH., Moon, MH., et al.[2023]

In a study of 62 patients with facial paralysis after CPA tumor resection, the pattern of recovery in the first 6 months was crucial for deciding on facial reanimation surgery, as those showing no signs of recovery were unlikely to regain satisfactory function without intervention.

Early facial reanimation surgery, particularly masseteric nerve grafting, led to quicker recovery times compared to hypoglossal nerve grafting, highlighting the importance of timely surgical intervention for better outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Early Nerve Grafting for Facial Paralysis After Cerebellopontine Angle Tumor Resection With Preserved Facial Nerve Continuity. Albathi, M., Oyer, S., Ishii, LE., et al.[2022]

Patients undergoing cancer surgery with propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) showed significantly better overall survival compared to those receiving volatile anesthesia, with a hazard ratio of 0.79, indicating a 21% reduction in the risk of death.

No significant difference in recurrence-free survival was found between the two anesthesia types, suggesting that while propofol may improve overall survival, it does not necessarily affect the likelihood of cancer recurrence.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Anesthesia and Long-term Oncological Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Chang, CY., Wu, MY., Chien, YJ., et al.[2023]

In a study of 1538 patients who underwent gastric cancer surgery, propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) did not show a significant difference in 1-year overall mortality compared to inhalation anesthesia, indicating similar safety profiles for both methods.

The risk of 1-year cancer-related mortality was also comparable between the TIVA and inhalation anesthesia groups, suggesting that the choice of anesthetic may not impact long-term cancer outcomes after surgery.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Retrospective analysis of 1-year mortality after gastric cancer surgery: Total intravenous anesthesia versus volatile anesthesia. Oh, TK., Kim, HH., Jeon, YT.[2020]

Stereotactic radiosurgery is a safe and effective treatment for acoustic tumors, achieving tumor control in 96% of patients over an average follow-up of 1.7 years, with 45% experiencing tumor shrinkage after at least 1.5 years.

Most patients returned to their normal level of function within 5 to 7 days post-treatment, although some experienced delayed complications such as facial or trigeminal neuropathy in 34% and 32% of cases, respectively, which tended to improve over time.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Stereotactic radiosurgery in the treatment of patients with acoustic tumors. Lunsford, LD., Linskey, ME.[2021]

Patupilone, a chemotherapy drug, showed a progression-free survival rate of 36% in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and brain metastases, indicating its potential efficacy in this challenging population.

The treatment was associated with significant adverse events, including diarrhea (24%) and pulmonary embolisms (8%), leading to all patients discontinuing the drug, highlighting the need for careful monitoring of side effects.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Multicenter phase 2 study of patupilone for recurrent or progressive brain metastases from non-small cell lung cancer. Nayak, L., DeAngelis, LM., Robins, HI., et al.[2018]

Stereotactic radiosurgery for acoustic tumors is a safe and effective treatment option, with 91% of patients discharged within 24 hours and returning to normal function within 5 to 7 days after treatment.

The treatment has a high tumor control rate of 97%, but only 23% of patients experienced a reduction in tumor size, and there is a 38% rate of useful hearing preservation after one year.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Stereotactic radiosurgery for acoustic tumors. Linskey, ME., Lunsford, LD., Flickinger, JC., et al.[2004]

In a study involving 27 patients with various types of bronchogenic carcinoma, a combination treatment of DDP and VP16 resulted in a partial response in 22.3% of patients, with one patient achieving complete remission.

The treatment regimen was generally well-tolerated, with manageable side effects, including 88.8% experiencing alopecia and 77.7% experiencing nausea and/or vomiting.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cisplatin and etoposide combination in the treatment of bronchogenic carcinoma. Mazzei, T., Marino, C., Nozzoli, F., et al.[2013]

In a study of 6305 breast cancer surgery patients, those who received propofol anesthesia had a 5-year survival rate of 91.0%, compared to 81.8% for those who received sevoflurane, suggesting a potential survival advantage for propofol.

The analysis showed varying results depending on the statistical methods used, indicating that while propofol may improve long-term survival, the limitations of retrospective studies must be considered when interpreting these findings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Survival after primary breast cancer surgery following propofol or sevoflurane general anesthesia-A retrospective, multicenter, database analysis of 6305 Swedish patients. Enlund, M., Berglund, A., Ahlstrand, R., et al.[2021]

In a study involving 1764 breast cancer patients, there was no significant difference in five-year survival rates between those who received propofol and those who received sevoflurane as their anaesthetic during surgery, with survival rates of 91.9% and 92.2% respectively.

The results suggest that the choice of anaesthetic (propofol vs. sevoflurane) does not impact long-term cancer survival outcomes, as indicated by the similar survival rates and hazard ratios observed in both intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Impact of general anaesthesia on breast cancer survival: a 5-year follow up of a pragmatic, randomised, controlled trial, the CAN-study, comparing propofol and sevoflurane. Enlund, M., Berglund, A., Enlund, A., et al.[2023]

In a study of 25 patients undergoing repeat Gamma Knife (GK) surgery for vestibular schwannoma, 85% of tumors were controlled after a median follow-up of 46 months, demonstrating the long-term efficacy of this treatment.

No new facial or trigeminal nerve palsy occurred after retreatment, indicating that repeat GK surgery has low morbidity, although hearing preservation was not achieved in any of the patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Repeat Gamma Knife surgery for vestibular schwannomas. Lonneville, S., Delbrouck, C., Renier, C., et al.[2020]

VP-16-213, an anticancer drug, showed significantly higher concentrations in the spinal cord compared to plasma, indicating potential for targeting central nervous system malignancies.

However, severe neurotoxicity was observed at higher doses, leading to the conclusion that VP-16-213 is not suitable for intrathecal administration due to limited diffusion and safety concerns.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pharmacology of intrathecal VP-16-213 in dogs. Savaraj, N., Feun, LG., Lu, K., et al.[2019]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9513932/

Effect of anesthesia on the outcome of high-grade glioma ... However, propofol reduces cerebral blood flow and cerebral oxygen consumption simultaneously, which benefits for brain tumor patients with higher ICP. Secondly, ...

2. trialsjournal.biomedcentral.com trialsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13063-022-06716-9

Effect of anesthesia on the outcome of high-grade glioma ... Retrospective study has found no difference between intravenous and inhalation anesthesia on the overall survival (OS) of the HGG patients, ...

3. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/349953054_Effect_of_Anesthesia_on_The_Outcome_of_High-Grade_Glioma_Patients_Undergoing_Supratentorial_Resection_Study_Protocol_for_A_Randomized_Controlled_Trial/fulltext/6048f3ec45851543166b656a/Effect-of-Anesthesia-on-The-Outcome-of-High-Grade-Glioma-Patients-Undergoing-Supratentorial-Resection-Study-Protocol-for-A-Randomized-Controlled-Trial.pdf?origin=scientificContributions

Effect of Anesthesia on The Outcome of High-Grade ... Propofol can signi cantly improve the survival of colon cancer patients compared with des urane anesthesia [26], however, it did not improve the prognosis ...

4. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36167574/

Effect of anesthesia on the outcome of high-grade glioma ... This is a randomized controlled trial to compare the effect of intravenous and inhalation anesthesia maintenance on the outcome of supratentorial HGG patients.

5. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.1057571/full

An intravenous anesthetic drug-propofol, influences the ... According to most studies, tumor patients receiving propofol-based anesthesia have a better prognosis than those receiving inhalation anesthesia. However, some ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10417602/

Propofol Inhibits Glioma Stem Cell Growth and Migration ... Here, we demonstrate that propofol exerts anti-tumor effects in GSCs and differentiated tumor cells and inhibits the tumorigenic promoting effects of microglia ...

7. journals.lww.com journals.lww.com/annals-of-medicine-and-surgery/fulltext/2025/07000/effects_of_anesthesia_on_tumor_perfusion_and.31.aspx

Effects of anesthesia on tumor perfusion and infiltration... This mini-review examines the effects of various anesthetic agents, such as propofol, isoflurane, and sevoflurane, on tumor perfusion and infiltration.

8. snacc.org snacc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/The_Effects_of_Anesthetics_on_Glioma_Progression_.4.pdf

The Effects of Anesthetics on Glioma Progression This section will summarize the in vitro evidence for the effects of anesthetic agents on cancer cells generally and glioma cells in particular and also review ...

9. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0887233322000182

Propofol inhibits proliferation and migration of glioma cells ... We found that propofol significantly reduced U251 cells proliferation, migration and invasion, induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis while promoted GAS5 ...