Research & Clinical Trials

The BTC, under the direction of Daniel F. Kelly, M.D., and the John Wayne Cancer Institute are committed to improving the lives of patients with brain tumors and related disorders through research and education.

Our research efforts at the BTC are focused in 3 areas:

1. Clinical Trials for Patients with Gliomas, Metastatic Brain Tumors and Pituitary Adenomas: More effective and safer therapies are needed for patients with brain tumors. Novel immunotherapies such as monoclonal antibody treatments and molecularly targeted therapies such as those aimed at tumor blood supply are being developed and tested for both primary and secondary (metastatic) brain tumors. Current open clinical trials include the following:
   
   Patients with Metastatic Melanoma to the Brain:
   
   Study of Ipilimumab to Treat Melanoma in Patients With Brain Metastases
   Collaborating Institution: The Angeles Clinic & Research Institute, Los Angeles
   Contact Person: Dr. Omid Hamid, Phone 310-231-2136; www.theangelesclinic.org
   
   
   Patients with Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM):
   
   Brain Tumor Trials Collaborative Study of Patients with Glioblastoma Multiforme
   Collaborating Institution: The Angeles Clinic & Research Institute, Los Angeles
   Contact Person: Dr. Omid Hamid, Phone 310-231-2136; www.theangelesclinic.org
   
   
   Patients with Aggressive or Recurrent Pituitary Adenomas:
   
   Temozolomide{ novel therapy for recurrent / invasive pituitary adenomas
   Collaborating Institution: UCLA Medical Center, Division of Endocrinology & Dr. Anthony Heaney
   Contact Person: Charlene Chaloner, R.N., Study Coordinator, BTC, Phone 310-582-7457
   
   
   
2. Tumor Biomarker Study: This is an ongoing study aimed at gaining a better understanding of tumor genetics and behavior to plan more effective treatments beyond surgery. All patients undergoing removal of a brain tumor or pituitary tumor (such as a glioma, metastatic brain tumor,  pituitary adenoma, meningioma, chordoma or craniopharyngioma, are asked to participate.  For participants, a portion of their tumor specimen removed at surgery is placed in a tumor repository. Tumor cells are then studied for specific markers that may indicate their aggressiveness or potential responsiveness to various therapies such as a chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiosurgery.
   
3. Quality of Life Study in Patients with Brain, Pituitary & Skull Base Tumors: All patients undergoing intracranial surgery for tumor removal are asked to participate in this ongoing study both before and after their surgery. The goal of this effort is to document impairments patients have before surgery and how their quality of life changes after surgery. These tests take approximately 30 minutes to perform and will be conducted before surgery and at 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery. The study is focused on issues such as energy level, mood, cognition, return to work and sexual function. Our findings will hopefully yield important information for doctors and nurses about the effectiveness of current tumor therapies and how we can improve patient care. By participating, patients will also gain better insights into their own recovery.
   

To learn more about our research efforts and clinical trials at the BTC, John Wayne Cancer Institute and our affiliated institutions , please contact:

Charlene Chaloner, R.N.
Study Coordinator, Brain Tumor Center
John Wayne Cancer Institute
2200 Santa Monica Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Phone 310-582-7457
Fax 310-582-7495
E-mail: chalonerc@jwci.org

Or

Daniel F. Kelly, M.D., Medical Director
Brain Tumor Center  at Saint John’s Health Center
2200 Santa Monica Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90404

Phone: 310-582-7450
Fax: 310-582-7495
Email: kellyd@jwci.org