Participate in a Study
Clinical research studies (also called clinical trials) are designed to answer questions about new treatments that may improve outcomes. In the case of brain and spinal cord cancers, we conduct clinical research studies to learn whether new types of treatment may improve quality of life and may best control the cancer.
For a listing of research studies that are currently open to patients for treatment, go to: http://staff.washington.edu/stonesk/
“At Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and the University of Washington, we are dedicated to the discovery of new ways of treating brain and spinal cord cancers. We strive to offer a large menu of research treatment options for patients with primary cancers as well as metastatic cancer to the brain or spinal cord.” - Dr. Marc Chamberlain, Chief, Division of Neuro-Oncology
If you have questions or need more information, please contact a member of the Neuro-Oncology research staff:
- Sandra K. Johnston, PhD, RN - (206) 288-6365
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If you're unsure about what participating in a trial is all about, we have comprehensive information for you about:
Trial News
A new and interesting trial at SCCA is the TM601 –Chlorotoxin – Israeli Scorpion Venom and Recurrent Glioblastoma.
This is a small Phase I trial with only three institutions participating to study the anti-angiogenic agent, chlorotoxin. Like Avastin for breast cancer, this is a targeted therapy to tumor vasculature and recurrent glioblastoma. Of all cancers, this type of tumor is the most vascularized. The treatment regimen is a four week cycle of outpatient infusions (three-weekly treatments, one-week break) that will last six months.
Before the treatment begins, the patient will receive an imaging dose with a radioisotope for a brain and body SPECT scan (single photon emission computed tomography). This is a nuclear medicine tomographic imaging technique that uses gamma rays to provide true 3D image. In addition to standard brain MRI scans to assess response to the treatment, the trial also includes blood flow (perfusion) MRI scans.
- Adults 18 years and older
- Recurrence following Temodar and radiation therapy
- At least three weeks post surgery
- Good performance
This study has been featured in the press.
Research Labs Related to Brain and Spinal Cord Cancers:
Kenneth Maravilla, MD
Dr. Maravilla's 3T Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) research laboratory [http://depts.washington.edu/mrlab/] focuses on basic and human research exploring MRI and MRI spectroscopy for evaluating a number of brain diseases such as brain tumors and multiple sclerosis, various developmental diseases, and basic mechanisms of brain function using functional MRI techniques.
Richard S. Morrison, PhD Dr. Morrison’s lab
[http://depts.washington.edu/neurosur/research/morrison.html] studies the mechanism of cell death and the molecular changes of brain tumors involved in malignant transformations.
Robert Rostomily, MD
Dr. Rostomily’s lab [http://depts.washington.edu/iscrm/research/cns.html] focuses on the molecular regulation of the formation of glial cells. In addition, they are studying the molecular basis of skull based tumors that could lead to new treatment options.
John Silber, PhD
Dr. Silber's laboratory [http://depts.washington.edu/neurosur/research/silber.html] is pursuing methods to optimize the effectiveness of contemporary treatments by characterizing the mechanisms that promote tumor cell death and by identifying resistance mechanisms that limit killing. Another goal of the laboratory is to develop tumor markers that predict response to therapy in order to direct patients to the most effective treatment while sparing them unnecessary side effects.
Alexander M. Spence, MD
Dr. Spence’s research interest is in positron emission tomography (PET) of proliferation, membrane formation (growth) and growth in low and high grade gloimas.
Kristin Swanson, PhD
Dr. Swanson's lab [http://www.pathology.washington.edu/research/labs/labpage.php?LAB=swanson] specializes in the mathematical modeling of pathological biosystems. She is working on several projects utilizing advanced imaging techniques such as MRI and PET to predict the growth patterns of brain tumors.