Central Nervous System Clinical Trials

Central nervous system clinical trials are an important part of cancer treatment for two main reasons. First, they allow certain patients with various types of brain and spinal cancer to be among the first to benefit from promising new treatment approaches. And second, as the best and most reliable way to determine the effectiveness of a new treatment, clinical trials provide the evidence physicians need to improve the care of all current and future cancer patients.

Moffitt Cancer Center is highly respected for the breakthroughs we’ve achieved through our research efforts and clinical trials, which have resulted in numerous advances in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Our work is recognized by the National Cancer Institute, which has awarded us the designation of Comprehensive Cancer Center. This honor is bestowed on only a select few institutions that have made a significant and proven impact on cancer care by translating laboratory discoveries into better outcomes and higher-quality lives for patients.

Currently, the researchers at Moffitt are working on developing promising new strategies for treating primary and metastatic brain and spinal tumors. Some of the treatments available in our central nervous system clinical trials include:

• Vaccines
• Immunotherapy
• Biological therapies Intrathecal chemotherapy with standard drugs, biological agents and targeted molecular agents
• Other novel chemotherapy agents and combinations that cross the natural barrier that protects the brain

We also offer clinical trials for metastatic brain and spinal tumors, including those associated with melanoma, lung cancer and breast cancer.

At Moffitt, we encourage our patients to consider enrolling in clinical trials as early as possible, and preferably at the time of diagnosis. A common misconception about clinical trials is that they are experimental. This is not the case. A participant in a clinical trial will receive either the standard of care, which is the best treatment currently available for the specific type of cancer, or a promising new treatment. Until a time when the standard of care for central nervous system tumors is curative, clinical trials will play a vital role in the treatment of brain and spinal cancers.

To learn more about the central nervous system clinical trials available at Moffitt Cancer Center, call call 1-813-745-6100 or 1-800-679-0775 (toll-free) or submit a clinical trials inquiry form online. We do not require referrals.