Glutamate Excitotoxicity and Its Role in Glioblastoma Biology

Last updated: June 6, 2025
Sponsor: IRCCS San Raffaele
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

Astrocytoma

Gliomas

Treatment

Blood, CSF and tumor samples

Clinical Study ID

NCT05775458
NCH02-2020
  • Ages > 18
  • All Genders

Study Summary

Gliomas are the most frequent type of primary brain tumors in adults; among them glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant, being associated with the worst prognosis. Glutamate (Glu) is an aminoacid, responsible for essential functions in the Central Nervous System (CNS), acting both as metabolite and neurotransmitter. It is essential for regulating cellular metabolism and developmental synaptogenesis, cellular migration, differentiation and death. Recent scientific evidences have demonstrated alteration in Glu synthesis and signaling being directly involved in GBM growth and invasion

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Adult patients with a brain lesion suspected for GBM, candidate to gross total tumorresection (GTR), followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy (concomitant andadjuvant).

  • Patient able to provide informed consent.

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Age < 18 years

  • Liver disease

  • Severe anemia (Hb <8mg/dl)

  • Pregnancy

Study Design

Total Participants: 50
Treatment Group(s): 1
Primary Treatment: Blood, CSF and tumor samples
Phase:
Study Start date:
June 01, 2020
Estimated Completion Date:
September 30, 2029

Study Description

Glu and its scavenger's levels are measurable both in serum and in the cerebral-spinal fluid (CSF), thus making them ideal markers for tumor aggressiveness and disease activity as well as a potential target for new therapeutic approaches.

Serum and CSF levels of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT1), Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase (GPT) and glutamate and aspartate levels of a total of 40 patients will be collected.

Molecular biology analyses will be conducted and oncological and imaging data will be collected during follow-up in patients enrolled in the present studies. MRI imaging as well as blood sampling will be performed at definite timepoints (baseline and 3, 6 and 9 months follow-up).

Connect with a study center

  • IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute

    Milan, 20132
    Italy

    Active - Recruiting

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