Neurology and Neurosurgery

Below are current clinical trials.

Filter this list of studies by location, status and more.

1. Memantine Hydrochloride and Whole-Brain Radiotherapy With or Without Hippocampal Avoidance in Reducing Neurocognitive Decline in Patients With Brain Metastases

   Mankato, Minn., La Crosse, Wis., Eau Claire, Wis., Rochester, Minn., Albert Lea, Minn.

   This randomized phase III trial compares memantine hydrochloride and whole-brain radiotherapy with or without hippocampal avoidance in reducing neurocognitive decline in patients with cancer that has spread from the primary site (place where it started) to the brain. Whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) is the most common treatment for brain metastasis. Unfortunately, the majority of patients with brain metastases experience cognitive (such as learning and memory) deterioration after WBRT. Memantine hydrochloride may enhance cognitive function by binding to and inhibiting channels of receptors located in the central nervous system. Radiation therapy uses high energy x-rays to kill tumor cells and shrink tumors. Using radiation techniques, such as intensity modulated radiotherapy to avoid the hippocampal region during WBRT, may reduce the radiation dose to the hippocampus and help limit the radiation-induced cognitive decline. It is not yet known whether giving memantine hydrochloride and WBRT with or without hippocampal avoidance works better in reducing neurocognitive decline in patients with brain metastases.

2. Treatment of Brain AVMs (TOBAS) Study

   Jacksonville, Fla.

   The purpose of this study is to offer the best management possible for patients with brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) (ruptured or unruptured) in terms of long-term outcomes, despite the presence of uncertainty.

3. Blood and Spinal Fluid Collection for Research Studies in Motor Neuron Disease and Motor Neuropathy

   Rochester, Minn.

   The purpose of this study is so that blood (plasma and blood cells) and/or extra spinal fluid (which was taken for clinical purposes) can be obtained and stored for later research on a large cohort of patients with progressive motor neuronopathies and neuropathies, many of which will be determined to suffer from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). 

4. A Study to Explore if it is Possible to Successfully Obtain Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Imaging and Data While Patients Undergo Brain Surgery

   Jacksonville, Fla.

   The goal of this study is to investigate the feasibility of successfully obtaining intra-operative OCT imaging and data during standard brain surgery.

5. A Study to Develop A Family Registry to Collect Alzheimer's Biomarkers

   Jacksonville, Fla.

   The overall purpose of this research is to understand how ADAD develops in order to eventually provide treatments for this disorder. Each biological child of a person with an ADAD mutation has a 50% risk of inheriting the mutation, and thus of developing ADAD. This study will develop a registry of families with a known ADAD mutation and will collect, analyze and bank data, tissue, and brain images from the members who participate in the DIAN research study. The data and tissue collected are available to all qualified researchers who wish to determine what changes occur before and after ADAD symptoms start. This understanding may lead to better tests and treatments for ADAD.

    

6. A Study of the Possible Use of a New Imaging Method with Glioma Tumors

   Rochester, Minn., Scottsdale/Phoenix, Ariz.

   The purpose of this study is to see if Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE) a recently developed imaging technique can be used to characterize and help stage glioma tumors and evaluate response to therapy.

7. Advanced Care Planning in Dementia

   Jacksonville, Fla.

   The goal of this study is to gain a better understanding of the status of advanced care planning among caregivers of patients with dementia and examine how this differs by race and disease stage.

8. Analyses of Metabolic Agents Following Brain Radiation

   Rochester, Minn.

   The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility of serial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) assessments to evaluate the pharmacodynamic impact of agents targeting radiation-induced biology administered following completion of brain radiation.

9. A Study to Assess Sinus Stenting to Manage Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak

   Rochester, Minn.

   The purpose of this study is to determine whether transverse/sigmoid sinus junction stenting reduces the risk of recurrent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension presenting with CSF leak.

    

10. Evaluating Optic Nerve Disease with OCT Angiography

    Rochester, Minn.

    The purpose of this study is to determine if optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography is able to distinguish different causes of optic neuropathy.