Amantadine as a Biomarker for Glioblastoma
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores whether the drug amantadine (Amantadine Hydrochloride) can aid in monitoring glioblastoma, a common and aggressive brain tumor, by tracking a specific enzyme linked to tumor growth. Researchers are testing if changes in the drug's byproducts in the body align with MRI results, potentially helping doctors track the tumor's size and activity. The trial seeks adults with a confirmed glioblastoma diagnosis who are scheduled to receive radiation or chemotherapy and can attend regular study visits. As an unphased trial, this study offers patients the chance to contribute to innovative research that could enhance glioblastoma monitoring.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
You may need to stop taking certain medications if they are known to interact with amantadine, which is part of the trial. The trial does not specify all medications that interact, so it's important to discuss your current medications with the trial team.
What prior data suggests that this method is safe for monitoring glioblastoma?
Research has shown that amantadine hydrochloride has been tested for safety in other conditions. In one study, among 100 patients taking the drug, a few experienced side effects such as drowsiness, tiredness, and mood changes, but these were uncommon, with less than 3% reporting these issues. Another study found that in children with brain injuries, only 5 out of 54 experienced side effects, all of which were temporary.
Amantadine is already approved in the U.S. and Canada for other uses, providing a wealth of safety information, which is reassuring. However, individual experiences may vary. It is important to consult a healthcare provider to understand the risks and benefits specific to each person.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about using amantadine hydrochloride as a potential biomarker for glioblastoma because it offers a novel approach to understanding this aggressive brain cancer. Unlike the standard treatments that primarily focus on slowing tumor growth through chemotherapy and radiation, amantadine hydrochloride could help in monitoring and predicting treatment response. This drug is traditionally used for other purposes, but its repurposing for glioblastoma could pave the way for more personalized and effective treatment strategies by providing real-time insights into how the cancer is behaving.
What evidence suggests that amantadine could be an effective biomarker for glioblastoma?
Research has shown that amantadine helps with conditions other than glioblastoma (GBM), such as easing movement problems in Parkinson's disease and aiding recovery from brain injuries. It influences certain chemicals in the brain and may protect brain cells. In this trial, participants with GBM will receive amantadine to explore its use as a tool for assessing tumor activity. It measures a specific enzyme related to GBM, enabling doctors to track the disease more accurately through blood or urine tests. While amantadine is not proven to treat GBM directly, its potential as a diagnostic tool is promising.36789
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults with confirmed Glioblastoma who are planning to undergo radiation and/or chemotherapy. They must be able to swallow pills, have good kidney and liver function, not be pregnant or breastfeeding, and agree to use contraception. Excluded are those with allergies to amantadine, drug abuse issues, severe kidney problems, Parkinson's disease or schizophrenia.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive a 200 mg dose of amantadine at each visit where MRI is obtained, typically every 8-12 weeks, alongside standard care treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, with continued assessment of acetyl-amantadine levels and MRI imaging
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Amantadine Hydrochloride
Amantadine Hydrochloride is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada for the following indications:
- Dyskinesia associated with Parkinson's disease
- Influenza A viral infection
- Parkinson's disease
- Extrapyramidal side effects of medications
- Postherpetic neuralgia
- Parkinson's disease
- Influenza A viral infection
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
CancerCare Manitoba
Lead Sponsor
The Metabolomics Innovation Centre
Collaborator
University of Manitoba
Collaborator
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
Collaborator
BioMark Diagnostics Inc.
Collaborator