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Device

Deep Brain Stimulation for Frontotemporal Dementia (FRONSTIM Trial)

N/A
Recruiting
Led By Andres M Lozano, MD, PhD
Research Sponsored by University Health Network, Toronto
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Diagnosis of image-supported behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia according to NIC-FTD and NACC FTLD guidelines
Men and women aged 40-85 years
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up baseline before dbs surgery, and at 3-months, 6-months, 12-months and 24-months post-dbs surgery
Awards & highlights

FRONSTIM Trial Summary

This trial will study the use of deep brain stimulation to treat Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), the most common type of dementia in young patients, for which there is currently no cure.

Who is the study for?
This trial is for adults aged 40-85 with behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia, showing symptoms like apathy. They must have stable medication use for the past 3 months and a caregiver or decision-maker to consent. Exclusions include pregnancy, substance dependence, other major CNS diseases, past significant brain surgery, MRI contraindications like metal implants, and conditions making anesthesia risky.Check my eligibility
What is being tested?
The study tests deep brain stimulation of the subgenual cingulate to treat frontotemporal dementia symptoms by activating dysfunctional networks in the brain. It will monitor changes in cerebral metabolism, connectivity, atrophy and biomarkers to evaluate safety and preliminary effectiveness.See study design
What are the potential side effects?
Potential side effects may include discomfort from the device implantation procedure, headache or pain at the implant site post-surgery; risk of infection; possible changes in mood or behavior due to stimulation; and general risks associated with anesthesia.

FRONSTIM Trial Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
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I have been diagnosed with a specific type of dementia affecting behavior.
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I am between 40 and 85 years old.
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I experience a lack of interest or enthusiasm.

FRONSTIM Trial Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~baseline before dbs surgery, and at 3-months, 6-months, 12-months and 24-months post-dbs surgery
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and baseline before dbs surgery, and at 3-months, 6-months, 12-months and 24-months post-dbs surgery for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Outcome measures can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary outcome measures
Incidence of Treatment-related Adverse Events
Secondary outcome measures
Apathy Evaluation Scale - Clinician version (AES-C)
Cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers of neurodegeneration (GFAP and NfL)
Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test (FCSRT)
+8 more

FRONSTIM Trial Design

1Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: Bilateral subgenual cingulate deep brain stimulation (SGC DBS)Experimental Treatment1 Intervention
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a neurosurgical procedure involving the implantation of deep brain electrodes, connected via a subcutaneous extension wire, to an implantable pulse generator (IPG, or 'battery') that is implanted below the collarbone. All patients will receive deep brain stimulation (DBS) targeting the subgenual cingulate (SGC) bilaterally. No other changes to pre-existing treatment will be made. This is the only arm in this experiment.

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

University Health Network, TorontoLead Sponsor
1,475 Previous Clinical Trials
485,084 Total Patients Enrolled
1 Trials studying Frontotemporal Dementia
100 Patients Enrolled for Frontotemporal Dementia
Weston Brain InstituteOTHER
11 Previous Clinical Trials
967 Total Patients Enrolled
1 Trials studying Frontotemporal Dementia
112 Patients Enrolled for Frontotemporal Dementia
Andres M Lozano, MD, PhDPrincipal InvestigatorUniversity Health Network, Toronto
2 Previous Clinical Trials
21 Total Patients Enrolled

Media Library

Bilateral subgenual cingulate deep brain stimulation (SGC DBS) (Device) Clinical Trial Eligibility Overview. Trial Name: NCT05699330 — N/A
Frontotemporal Dementia Research Study Groups: Bilateral subgenual cingulate deep brain stimulation (SGC DBS)
Frontotemporal Dementia Clinical Trial 2023: Bilateral subgenual cingulate deep brain stimulation (SGC DBS) Highlights & Side Effects. Trial Name: NCT05699330 — N/A
Bilateral subgenual cingulate deep brain stimulation (SGC DBS) (Device) 2023 Treatment Timeline for Medical Study. Trial Name: NCT05699330 — N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

Does the protocol of this experiment include individuals older than 35?

"The necessary age range for eligibility on this trial is 40 to 85 years old."

Answered by AI

What is the sample size of participants being treated in this research?

"Indeed, the information found on clinicaltrials.gov reports that this trial is presently scouting for participants. This research project was initially publicized on December 12th 2023 and most recently refreshed on January 16th 2023. The study necessitates six individuals to be recruited from a single medical facility."

Answered by AI

Are any new participants being enrolled for this clinical trial?

"Affirmative. Clinicaltrials.gov data affirms that this investigation, which was initially posted on December 1st 2023, is actively seeking participants. 6 people need to be enrolled from a single medical facility."

Answered by AI

Would I be considered a suitable participant for this experiment?

"This medical trial is recruiting 6 individuals aged between 40 and 85 with a diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia. The prerequisites for participation include being male or female, having apathy as one of the symptoms, maintaining a stable dose of FTD medications for 3 months prior to enrolment, possessing an available caregiver who can accurately report on daily activities and function, plus having a substitute decision maker (if different from the primary caregiver) that agrees to sign informed consent documents."

Answered by AI
~3 spots leftby Jan 2026