Clinical Trials for Ependymoma Treatment

Brain Tumor Care Brain Tumor Types Recurrent Anaplastic Ependymoma Clinical Trials

What is an ependymoma brain tumor?

Ependymomas arise from the ependymal cells that line the ventricles (normal, fluid-filled spaces) of the brain and the center of the spinal cord. They are relatively rare in adults, accounting for 2-3% of ‘primary’ brain tumors.

World Health Organization (WHO) Criteria

Grade I

Very slow-growing; subtypes include subependymomas and myxopapillary ependymomas.

Grade II

Intermediate growth rate; further divided into other subtypes, including cellular ependymomas, papillary ependymomas, clear cell ependymomas and tancytic ependymomas.

Grade III

Faster-growing tumors; also known as anaplastic ependymomas. While less common than grade II ependymomas, these are more likely to recur despite maximal therapy.

Grade IV

Rapidly-dividing and abnormal cells; contains necrotic areas of nonviable tissue

Ependymoma Brain Tumor Symptoms

Ependymoma brain cancer symptoms vary widely depending on the type, location, size and growth rate of the tumor. There is no set of symptoms that are attributable to a single type of brain tumor.

General symptoms of brain tumors include:

New onset or change in pattern of headaches
Headaches that gradually become more frequent and more severe
New onset of seizures
Gradual loss of sensation or movement in an arm or a leg
Difficulty with balance
Difficulty speaking
Personality or behavior changes
Confusion
Unexplained nausea or vomiting
Blurred vision, double vision, or loss of peripheral vision
Hearing problems

Contact your physician if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.

Phase 0 Clinical Trials for Ependymomas

Clinical trials for ependymomas are uncommon and there are no proven therapies beyond surgery and radiotherapy. For these reasons, the Ivy Brain Tumor Center places a particular emphasis on cultivating experimental therapy options within our clinical trials’ portfolio for this underserved patient population.

If you have an ependymoma and have undergone MR imaging with evidence of tumor recurrence, you may be a candidate for one of our Phase 0 clinical trials. Our Phase 0 studies provide you with information you can use right now to make informed treatment decisions. This knowledge allows you to have a voice in your care and places some control back into your hands.