CompletedPhase 2

Clinical Safety Study on 5-Aminolevulinic Acid (5-ALA) in Children and Adolescents With Brain Tumors

Germany, Netherlands78 participantsStarted 2020-09-25

Plain-language summary

In this prospective, open, single-armed, multicenter, phase II study for application of 5-ALA in children and adolescents with brain tumors 80 patients will be investigated. Primary objective of the study is to determine the safety of 5-ALA for fluorescence-guided resections in children and adolescents with intra-axial brain tumors. Secondary objectives are * to determine whether fluorescent tissue truly signifies tumor (positive predictive value) in various pediatric brain tumors * to determine the degree of tumor resection on early post-operative MRI * and to determine the pharmacokinetics of 5-ALA in this population.

Who can participate

Age range

3 Years – 17 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.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 3 - \<18 years * First radiological diagnosis of intra-axial, contrast-enhancing tumor on MRI or recurrent supratentorial intra-axial brain tumor (malignant glioma, astrocytoma, malignant ependymoma, atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors (AT/RT), Oligodendroglioma, etc.) * Resection is part of therapeutic strategy with an emphasis on neurological safety * Informed consent by the parents or guardians and if possible assent of the patient after education of purpose and risks of study. Patients that are able to understand should provide assent to participate in the trial * Female adolescents: not pregnant (pregnancy test required for adolescents of child-bearing age) and not breast-feeding (for at least 24 hours after Gliolan intake). Female patients of childbearing potential and male patients who are sexually active must be practising a highly effective method of birth control up to 6 weeks after the tumor operation consistent with local regulations regarding the use of birth control methods for subjects participating in clinical trials. Exclusion Criteria: * Extra-axial tumors such as craniopharyngioma * Entities precluding surgical resection * Acute or chronic porphyria * Hypersensitivity to 5-ALA or porphyrins * Renal insufficiency: serum creatinine \> 2x upper limit of normal (ULN) * Hepatic insufficiency: serum bilirubin \> 2x ULN, serum γ-glutamyl transferase \> 2,5 x ULN, alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST)\> 2,5 ULN * Blo…

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.

What they're measuring

Safety of 5-ALA for fluorescence-guided resections in children and adolescents determined as incidence of adverse events of CTCAE grade III-V.

Timeframe: up to 6 weeks after tumor resection

Trial details

NCT IDNCT04738162

SponsorUniversität Münster

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-11-24

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Brain Tumor, Pediatric trials