Photodynamic Therapy With Porfimer Sodium in Treating Patients With Refractory Brain Tumors (NCT00002647) | Clinical Trial Compass
UnknownPhase 1
Photodynamic Therapy With Porfimer Sodium in Treating Patients With Refractory Brain Tumors
United States24 participantsStarted 1994-05
Plain-language summary
RATIONALE: Photodynamic therapy uses light and photosensitizing drugs to kill tumor cells and may be an effective treatment for refractory brain tumors.
PURPOSE: This phase I trial is studying the side effects and best dose of photodynamic therapy using porfimer sodium in treating patients with refractory brain tumors, including astrocytoma, ependymoma, and medulloblastoma.
Who can participate
Age range
3 Years – 70 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:
* Diagnosis of supratentorial or infratentorial brain tumor
* Localized, non-disseminated
* Primary tumor or solitary metastasis
* Recurrent or progressive
* Unresectable
* Negative CSF
* Must have failed standard therapy including radiotherapy
* Measurable disease as evidenced by CT scan or MRI
* Single or multiple masses accessible to light administration
PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:
Age:
* 3 to 70
Performance status:
* Not specified
Life expectancy:
* At least 2 months
Hematopoietic:
* Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,000/mm3
* May transfuse platelets
Hepatic:
* PT and PTT normal
Renal:
* Not specified
Other:
* Not pregnant
PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:
Biologic therapy:
* Not specified
Chemotherapy:
* At least 6 weeks since prior chemotherapy
Endocrine therapy:
* Not specified
Radiotherapy:
* See Disease Characteristics
* No prior brachytherapy
Surgery:
* See Disease Characteristics
Other:
* No other concurrent antitumor therapy
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.