RecruitingInterventional

Repeat surgery for recurrent glioblastoma

This study explores if having a second operation for glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer, when it grows back, can improve a patient's quality of life and survival. Glioblastoma is a common brain cancer, and while initial treatments help, it often returns. Currently, doctors in the UK have different approaches to treating returning glioblastoma, with some offering repeat surgery and others not. This research will involve adults with returning glioblastoma who will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group will have a second surgery followed by other treatments, and the other will only receive other treatments like chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The study will track their health and quality of life for up to 12 months. This will help understand the best way to treat glioblastoma when it comes back.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Oxford

Enrolment target

150

Start

01 Apr 2026

Estimated completion

31 Mar 2029

Repeat surgery for patients with recurrent glioblastoma

What is this study about?

Glioblastoma is the most common type of brain cancer in adults, with about 3,200 new cases in the UK each year. While initial treatments like surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy can help, the cancer often grows back. When this happens, it's called 'recurrent glioblastoma'. Doctors currently have different ideas about the best way to treat it when it returns; some offer another surgery, while others focus on chemotherapy or radiotherapy alone. This study aims to find out which approach is better for patients.

The main goal of this study is to see if having a second operation when glioblastoma returns can improve a patient's quality of life and help them live longer. The research was designed with input from patients and their families, as well as specialist nurses, ensuring that it addresses real concerns.

If you take part, you'd be randomly placed into one of two groups. One group would be offered repeat surgery, followed by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The other group would receive chemotherapy or radiotherapy but without the repeat surgery. The study will carefully follow participants for up to a year, regularly asking about their general health and quality of life. This will help researchers understand the impact of each treatment path.

Key takeaways

This study compares repeat surgery with non-surgical treatments for returning glioblastoma.
It aims to see if repeat surgery can improve how long people live and their quality of life.
Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups.
The study involves weekly and six-weekly questionnaires about health and quality of life.
A family member or friend will also be asked to complete some questionnaires.
It's a UK-wide study funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you need to be an adult (age 18 or older) and have been previously diagnosed with glioblastoma that has now returned. Your initial glioblastoma must have been treated with surgery, and your medical team must believe that a second surgery is a reasonable option for you.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if your glioblastoma returned very quickly after finishing your radiotherapy (within six weeks), or if the cancer has spread to multiple areas in your brain. You also can't take part if you can't have an MRI scan or if your glioblastoma is in certain tricky parts of the brain like the brainstem.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you been diagnosed with glioblastoma that has come back?
Has your medical team said that a second surgery might be possible for you?
Have you completed your initial radiotherapy treatment more than six weeks ago?
Do you have a family member or friend who can help answer some questions?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you are eligible and agree to take part, your doctor will discuss your case with a team of medical specialists. If they think that both repeat surgery and other treatments like chemotherapy are good options for you, you'll be invited to join. You'll then be randomly assigned to one of two groups: either a group that has repeat surgery followed by other treatments, or a group that only has other treatments without repeat surgery.

After this, you'll be followed up regularly for up to 12 months. You'll be asked to answer three questions about your general health and quality of life every week. Every six weeks, you'll also fill out more detailed questionnaires. You can answer these using a smartphone app, online forms, or over the phone, whichever you prefer. Some people might also be invited to record short speech samples through the app, which is optional.

You'll also be asked to name a family member or friend (your 'proxy') to fill out similar questionnaires about your quality of life, especially if you're not feeling well enough yourself. This proxy will also be asked about their own quality of life at three points. There's also an optional part of the study where you can wear a free smartwatch for at least 7 days every six weeks to track your physical activity, sleep, and potentially time spent at home. This study doesn't require any extra blood tests or hospital visits beyond your normal care.

Potential risks and benefits

The study aims to find out if repeat surgery can improve quality of life and survival for patients with returning glioblastoma. While specific benefits and risks were not detailed at the time this study was registered, any surgery carries potential risks, and your medical team will discuss these with you. The study procedures themselves, like filling out questionnaires, are generally low-risk. Remember, taking part is completely voluntary, and you are free to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (23)

Barts Health NHS Trust
City only
London, England
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust
City only
Belfast, England
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Birmingham, England
North Bristol NHS Trust
City only
Bristol, England
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Cambridge, England
Cardiff & Vale University Lhb
City only
Cardiff, Wales
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust
City only
Coventry, England
NHS Lothian
Approximate
Edinburgh, Scotland
Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
City only
Hull, England
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
City only
London, England
King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
London, England
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Unverified
Leeds, England

Common questions

What is glioblastoma?

Glioblastoma is the most common type of aggressive brain cancer found in adults.

Why is this study important?

When glioblastoma comes back, doctors aren't sure if a second surgery is better than other treatments. This study aims to find the best approach to improve patients' quality of life and survival.

Will I definitely have surgery if I join?

No. You'll be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one will be offered repeat surgery, and the other will receive other treatments without surgery.

What does 'proxy' mean in this study?

A 'proxy' is usually a family member or close friend who will help answer questions about your health and quality of life, especially if you're not feeling up to it.

Do I have to wear a smartwatch?

No, wearing a smartwatch to track your physical activity is an optional part of the study. You can still participate in the main study without it.

How to find out more

Melody Chin

recurrentgb@nds.ox.ac.uk 447917101649 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.