CSF Biomarkers for Brain Tumors

Summary

Participation Requirements

Description

Most brain tumors remain incurable. The gold-standard outcome measure for neuro-oncology clinical trials is overall survival. More detailed information is needed to guide individualized therapies and expedite progress. Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) is an underutilized source of potential biomarkers for ...

Most brain tumors remain incurable. The gold-standard outcome measure for neuro-oncology clinical trials is overall survival. More detailed information is needed to guide individualized therapies and expedite progress. Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) is an underutilized source of potential biomarkers for brain tumors. The goal of this study is to generate a repository of CSF samples with at least 2 timepoints per patient. Such samples are of particular importance to identify quantitative biomarkers of disease burden and response to therapy. Patients with a central nervous system tumor may be approached for study participation. At least two CSF collections are required for this study. No more than 20 mL (1.3 tablespoons) of CSF will be collected per visit. Options for CSF collection include collection during a clinically indicated surgical procedure, collection from an existing device (shunt, drain, Ommaya reservoir), or lumbar puncture. Specially-trained personnel will be responsible for CSF collection. CSF will be accessed during standard clinic visits to avoid extra appointments. CSF samples will be correlated with pertinent medical records and imaging findings. Samples may be made available for multiple research projects in a de-identified manner. Participation in this study will not generate specific information intended to guide care, but will provide an important resource to help advance brain tumor research. If a treating physician wishes to access a participant's CSF as part of any future IRB-approved study or individualized treatment strategy, it can be made available upon request.

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