January 2026 Brain Cancer Clinical Trials Report
How to Use This Post
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Use the NCT number to find the official listing fast.
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Always confirm eligibility + open sites with your care team (criteria and locations change).
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Primary source for every item: ClinicalTrials.gov.
Primary Source
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ClinicalTrials.gov: https://clinicaltrials.gov/
Section A (US-first): Adult — Newly Diagnosed Brain Cancer Trials
1) GBM AGILE (adaptive platform trial; includes newly diagnosed &recurrent GBM) —
NCT03970447
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Pertinent info (add/verify): platform trial with multiple arms; check current recruiting status + sites
2) [177Lu]Lu-NeoB + RT/TMZ in newly diagnosed GBM — NCT05739942
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Pertinent info (add/verify): radioligand + standard chemoradiation; confirm inclusion criteria + participating locations
3) New Adjuvant Vaccine in Glioblastoma (Phase 1/2a) — NCT06622434
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Pertinent info (add/verify): vaccine approach; confirm phase details and whether newly diagnosed only
4) DCVax-L for newly diagnosed GBM — NCT00045968
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Pertinent info (add/verify): dendritic cell vaccine; check current status and site availability
5) GammaTile + Stupp in newly diagnosed GBM (GESTALT) — NCT05342883
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Pertinent info (add/verify): surgically placed radiation tiles + standard therapy; confirm surgical requirements
6) CARv3-TEAM-E T Cells in Glioblastoma (EGFRvIII; check listing for newly diagnosed criteria) - NCT05660369
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Pertinent info (add/verify): CAR-T/cellular therapy targeting EGFRvIII; confirm tumor marker requirements
7) BPM31510 + Vitamin K1 in newly diagnosed glioblastoma — NCT04752813
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Pertinent info (add/verify): metabolic/mitochondrial-targeting strategy; confirm standard-of-care backbone
8) TN-TC11G (THC+CBD) with temozolomide + radiotherapy in newly diagnosed GBM (GEINOCANN) — NCT03529448
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Pertinent info (add/verify): cannabinoid add-on to standard therapy; confirm geography and eligibility
Section B (US-first): Adult - Recurrent / Recurring Brain Cancer Trials
1) GBM AGILE (adaptive platform trial; includes newly diagnosed & recurrent GBM) - NCT03970447
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Pertinent info (add/verify): includes recurrent arms; confirm which arms are currently open
2) Pilot Trial for Treatment of Recurrent Glioblastoma - NCT05432518
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Pertinent info (add/verify): pilot study; confirm intervention and recurrence definition
3) CUE-102 in Recurrent Glioblastoma (Phase Ib) - NCT06917885
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Pertinent info (add/verify): immunotherapy; confirm prior-treatment allowances
4) BMS-986504 in Recurrent Glioblastoma (Phase 0/1) - NCT06883747
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Pertinent info (add/verify): early-phase; confirm biopsy/surgery requirements if any
5) NovoTTF-100A in recurrent GBM - NCT00379470
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Pertinent info (add/verify): historical TTF listing; may be closed—verify status before sharing as an option
6) NMS-03305293 + TMZ in recurrent glioblastoma (Phase I/II) - NCT04910022
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Pertinent info (add/verify): combination therapy; confirm TMZ eligibility and prior-TMZ rules
7) Re-irradiation dose escalation trial in recurrent high-grade glioma / glioblastoma context - NCT02709226
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Pertinent info (add/verify): radiation-focused; confirm recurrence imaging requirements and prior RT constraints
Section C (US-first): Pediatric Brain Cancer Trials
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Section D (US-first): Global Trials (anything not US-only)
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Appendix: No NCT Yet / Needs Verification
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Quick checklist before you apply
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Confirm newly diagnosed vs recurrent status.
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Confirm molecular markers (IDH, MGMT, etc.).
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Ask about washout periods (chemo, Avastin/bevacizumab, steroids).
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Ask whether you can keep seizure meds/anticoagulants.
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Ask the site: “Are you actively enrolling right now at this location?”
Sources
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ClinicalTrials.gov: https://clinicaltrials.gov/
Hope on the Horizon: The Latest Glioblastoma Breakthroughs You Need to Know About in 2025
When I was diagnosed with glioblastoma on Thanksgiving 2023, the statistics were terrifying. The prognosis was grim. But here’s what I’ve learned over the past two years of fighting this beast: The game is changing. Fast.If you or someone you love is battling GBM, you need to know what’s happening RIGHT NOW in research and clinical trials. Because hope isn’t just a feeling—it’s backed by science, data, and some seriously exciting breakthroughs.So grab your coffee (or your medical bag, or your Cranial Crabbz attitude), and let’s talk about what’s new, what’s working, and what you should be asking your oncologist about. 🦀💙
CAR-T Therapy: Not Just for Blood Cancers Anymore 🚀
The Big News: CAR-T cell therapy—which has been a game-changer for blood cancers like leukemia—is now showing dramatic results in glioblastoma.
What’s Happening:
Mass General Hospital reported “dramatic and rapid” tumor regression using next-generation CAR-T therapy for GBM patients. We’re talking about tumors shrinking FAST.
Penn Medicine developed a dual-target CAR-T approach that attacks TWO tumor markers at once. Early results show it’s slowing aggressive brain cancer growth in ways we haven’t seen before.
ImmunityBio’s ANKTIVA NK cell therapy showed 100% disease control in 5 out of 5 patients with recurrent glioblastoma. Two of those patients achieved near-complete response. Let that sink in.
IN8bio announced a patient with grade 4, IDH-mutant, MGMT-methylated glioma who remains alive and progression-free after 4 YEARS. Four. Years.
Why This Matters:
CAR-T therapy takes YOUR immune cells, supercharges them in a lab to recognize and attack cancer, and puts them back in your body to do the work. It’s personalized. It’s powerful. And trials are NOW OPEN for newly diagnosed patients—not just recurrent cases.
Action Step: Ask your oncologist if you’re eligible for CAR-T trials. Major cancer centers are recruiting NOW.
MGMT Methylated? You’ve Got Options (And I’m One of You) 💊
If your pathology report says MGMT methylated, listen up. This means your tumor is more likely to respond to chemotherapy—and researchers are building on that advantage with targeted trials.
Trials Specifically for MGMT Methylated Patients:
NRG-BN011: Testing dual alkylating therapy (stronger chemo combinations) to improve outcomes beyond standard temozolomide.
Laminar Pharma’s LAM561: Showing promising progression-free survival when combined with standard treatment for newly diagnosed MGMT methylated patients.
Multiple centers (UC Irvine, UC Health, and others) are running trials with enhanced chemo combinations tailored to MGMT methylated tumors.
Why This Matters:
MGMT methylation is one of the few “good news” markers in a GBM diagnosis. Researchers are finally creating treatments that leverage this advantage instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach.
My Story: I’m IDH wild-type (aggressive) but MGMT methylated (chemo-responsive). As of November 2025, my MRIs show no new growth and a shrinking enhancement ring. I’m living proof that targeted treatment works.
Action Step: Make sure your oncologist knows your MGMT status and ask about trials designed specifically for methylated tumors.
Optune + Immunotherapy: A Power Combo 🔋
If you’re wearing the Optune device (like me), here’s some exciting news: combining Tumor Treating Fields with immunotherapy is showing unprecedented results.
What’s Happening:
USC Phase 3 Trial: Enrolling 740+ patients across 28 sites through April 2029. They’re combining TTFields with immunotherapy to “supercharge” the immune system’s attack on tumors.
ImmunityBio Study: Achieved 100% disease control when combining Optune with NK cell immunotherapy—and get this: chemotherapy-free.
TTFields + Pembrolizumab: Showing enhanced immune recognition and significantly improved progression-free survival.
Why This Matters:
Optune already extends survival when combined with temozolomide. Now, researchers are pairing it with immunotherapy to make the immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells more effectively. The results are blowing traditional survival rates out of the water.
My Story: I started wearing Optune in April 2024. I wear it in a “kangaroo shirt” so I can stay mobile and keep living my life. It’s not glamorous, but it’s working.
Action Step: If you’re already on Optune, ask about combination immunotherapy trials. If you’re NOT on Optune, ask why.
Personalized Vaccines: Your Tumor, Your Treatment 💉
Imagine a vaccine made from YOUR tumor cells that teaches YOUR immune system to hunt down and destroy cancer. It’s not science fiction—it’s happening now.
What’s Happening:
DCVax-L: Phase III data shows median overall survival of 19.3 months for newly diagnosed GBM—a significant improvement over standard treatment alone.
UCLA Research: Adding poly-ICLC (an immune-boosting agent) to personalized dendritic cell vaccines is showing promise in early trials.
Washington University: Personalized vaccines targeting specific tumor mutations are improving survival in some patients.
Why This Matters:
No two glioblastomas are exactly alike. Personalized vaccines use the unique fingerprint of YOUR tumor to create a treatment that’s tailored to YOU. It’s precision medicine at its finest.
Action Step: Ask your oncologist if tumor tissue from your surgery was banked for future vaccine trials. If not, ask if it’s possible for future biopsies.
Mayo Clinic’s Latest Breakthrough (January 2025) 🏥
Mayo Clinic announced an innovative treatment approach that’s improving overall survival in older patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma—a population that’s historically been underserved in clinical trials.
Why This Matters:
Age shouldn’t disqualify you from aggressive treatment or clinical trial eligibility. This research is proving that older warriors can benefit from cutting-edge therapies too.
My Story: I sought a second opinion at Mayo Clinic in July 2024. It changed everything. They had insights, options, and a level of expertise my local cancer center couldn’t provide.
Action Step: If you’re not getting answers, get a second opinion at a comprehensive cancer center. Mayo, Duke, MD Anderson, Johns Hopkins—these places are leading the charge.
Clinical Trials Recruiting RIGHT NOW 📋
Here are trials actively looking for patients:
ReSPECT-GBM: For recurrent glioblastoma after standard treatment.
Ipilimumab + Nivolumab Trials: Immunotherapy combinations at UCSD and other centers.
5G Trial: A fast, flexible approach testing multiple drugs simultaneously to accelerate finding effective treatments.
Targeted Therapy Trials: Based on specific genetic mutations (PIK3CA, PTEN, NF1, etc.). Available at major cancer centers.
Why This Matters:
Clinical trials aren’t a “last resort.” They’re often the FIRST place where breakthrough treatments are available. And they’re recruiting NOW—not someday, but TODAY.
Action Step: Visit ClinicalTrials.gov and search “glioblastoma” + your specific markers (MGMT methylated, IDH wild-type, etc.). Bring the results to your next oncology appointment.