RECRUITING

A Study Utilizing Escitalopram in Glioma Patients

Description

Glioma is a cancer of glial cells, a class of tissue supporting neuronal function in the brain. As many as 85% of glioma patients experience cognitive impairment. This is not only from direct tumor involvement, but also from therapy such as cranial radiation and chemotherapy, which degrades neuronal function. There is evidence that serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as escitalopram, improve cognition or prevent cognitive decline and may also improve outcomes critical to overall survival including functional independence, psychosocial stability, and quality of life. This pilot study will evaluate the effectiveness of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) escitalopram for treating cognitive impairment in newly diagnosed grade IV glioma over a 17 week treatment period.

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

Glioma is a cancer of glial cells, a class of tissue supporting neuronal function in the brain. As many as 85% of glioma patients experience cognitive impairment. This is not only from direct tumor involvement, but also from therapy such as cranial radiation and chemotherapy, which degrades neuronal function. There is evidence that serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as escitalopram, improve cognition or prevent cognitive decline and may also improve outcomes critical to overall survival including functional independence, psychosocial stability, and quality of life. This pilot study will evaluate the effectiveness of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) escitalopram for treating cognitive impairment in newly diagnosed grade IV glioma over a 17 week treatment period.

A Pilot Study Utilizing Escitalopram to Address Cognitive Dysfunction in Glioma Patients

A Study Utilizing Escitalopram in Glioma Patients

Condition
Glioma of Brain
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Omaha

University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States, 68198

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * Pathologically proven diagnosis of Grade IV glioma
  • * Newly diagnosed disease to receive chemotherapy and/or radiation
  • * Performance status Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) 0-2 or equivalent
  • * 19 years of age or older
  • * Life expectancy greater than 6 months
  • * Able to provide written informed consent for study participation
  • * Negative urine pregnancy test at enrollment for females of childbearing potential
  • * Female participants must be either post-menopausal (free from menses for 2 or more years), surgically sterilized, or willing to use two adequate barrier forms of contraception
  • * Hemifield defects (obscures visual field necessary to participate in all tests)
  • * Inability to undergo MRI
  • * Severe renal impairment defined as Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) \<30 mL/minute
  • * Screen positive for depression or anxiety
  • * Already taking an anti-depressant (SSRI or NSRI)
  • * Have problems tolerating past treatment with SSRI or NSRIs

Ages Eligible for Study

19 Years to

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

University of Nebraska,

Nicole A Shonka, MD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, University of Nebraska

Study Record Dates

2027-08