Cancer Research UK logo.
SearchDonate
  • Search

A trial looking at photodynamic therapy (PDT) for brain tumours

Overview

Cancer types:

Brain (and spinal cord) tumours

Status:

Results

Phase:

Phase 3

Details

This trial was looking at whether photodynamic therapy alongside surgery is helpful for people who have just been diagnosed with a type of brain tumour called glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).

The first treatment for GBM is usually surgery, followed by radiotherapy. In this trial, researchers looked at adding photodynamic therapy to this .

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment that uses light. Trials had already taken place using PDT for brain tumours that had come back after treatment. This trial was looking PDT alongside surgery and radiotherapy as a first treatment.

People having photodynamic therapy in this trial had 2 drugs before they had surgery. The first of these drugs was called 5-ALA. It makes brain tumour cells glow red under ultra violet light. During surgery, the surgeon used an ultra violet light on a microscope to look for tumour cells that glow red and removed as many of these as possible.

The other drug was Photofrin. This drug is absorbed by cancer cells and is activated by light. A bright light was shone into the area where the brain tumour had been removed soon after surgery, and then once on each of the next 4 days. This activated the drug and helped to kill any cells that had been left behind.

Recruitment start: 1 January 2005

Recruitment end: 31 December 2007

How to join

Please note: In order to join a trial you will need to discuss it with your doctor, unless otherwise specified.

Chief investigators

Prof Sam Eljamel

Supported by

Ninewells Hospital and Medical School

The Barbara Stewart Cancer Trust

Last reviewed: 10 January 2013

CRUK internal database number: 410

The Dangoor Education logo.

Dangoor Education

About Cancer generously supported by Dangoor Education since 2010. Learn more about Dangoor Education

Patient Information Forum. Trusted Information Creator.
Plain English Campaign award.

Help and support

An icon of a hand shake.

Questions for your doctor

What to ask your doctor about clinical trials.

An icon of two speech bubbles, indicating a conversation.

Cancer chat forum

Meet and chat to other cancer people affected by cancer.

An icon of a landline phone.

Nurse helpline

Questions about cancer? Call freephone 0808 800 40 40 from 9 to 5 - Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can email us.