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Recruiting Phase 2 NCT03728673

NCT03728673 A Study Utilizing Escitalopram in Glioma Patients

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Clinical Trial Summary
NCT ID NCT03728673
Status Recruiting
Phase Phase 2
Sponsor University of Nebraska
Condition Glioma of Brain
Study Type INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment 20 participants
Start Date 2019-03-06
Primary Completion 2027-06

Eligibility & Interventions

Sex All sexes
Min Age 19 Years
Max Age N/A
Study Type INTERVENTIONAL
Interventions
Escitalopram Oral Capsules

Eligibility Fast-Check

Enter your details for a quick preliminary check. This does not replace medical advice.

What to Expect as a Participant

You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.

In Phase 2, researchers evaluate early signs of effectiveness. You may be randomized to receive the active treatment or a comparator. Monitoring continues closely.

This trial targets 20 participants in total. It began in 2019-03-06 with a primary completion date of 2027-06.

⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.

Brief Summary

Glioma is a cancer of glial cells, a class of tissue supporting neuronal function in the brain. As many as 85% of glioma patients experience cognitive impairment. This is not only from direct tumor involvement, but also from therapy such as cranial radiation and chemotherapy, which degrades neuronal function. There is evidence that serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as escitalopram, improve cognition or prevent cognitive decline and may also improve outcomes critical to overall survival including functional independence, psychosocial stability, and quality of life. This pilot study will evaluate the effectiveness of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) escitalopram for treating cognitive impairment in newly diagnosed grade IV glioma over a 17 week treatment period.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria: * Pathologically proven diagnosis of Grade IV glioma * Newly diagnosed disease to receive chemotherapy and/or radiation * Performance status Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) 0-2 or equivalent * 19 years of age or older * Life expectancy greater than 6 months * Able to provide written informed consent for study participation * Negative urine pregnancy test at enrollment for females of childbearing potential * Female participants must be either post-menopausal (free from menses for 2 or more years), surgically sterilized, or willing to use two adequate barrier forms of contraception Exclusion Criteria: * Hemifield defects (obscures visual field necessary to participate in all tests) * Inability to undergo MRI * Severe renal impairment defined as Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) \<30 mL/minute * Screen positive for depression or anxiety * Already taking an anti-depressant (SSRI or NSRI) * Have problems tolerating past treatment with SSRI or NSRIs

Contact & Investigator

Central Contact

Michaela K Savine, RN

✉ misavine@unmc.edu

📞 402-836-9488

Principal Investigator

Nicole A Shonka, MD

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

University of Nebraska

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join the NCT03728673 clinical trial?

This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 19 Years or older, studying Glioma of Brain. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.

What phase is the NCT03728673 trial and what does that mean for participants?

Phase 2 trials evaluate whether the treatment shows signs of effectiveness while continuing to monitor safety. More participants are enrolled than in Phase 1 to help refine the treatment protocol.

Is NCT03728673 currently recruiting?

Yes, NCT03728673 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at misavine@unmc.edu for enrollment information.

Where is the NCT03728673 trial being conducted?

This trial is being conducted at Omaha, United States.

Who is sponsoring the NCT03728673 clinical trial?

NCT03728673 is sponsored by University of Nebraska. The principal investigator is Nicole A Shonka, MD at University of Nebraska. The trial plans to enroll 20 participants.

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ClinicalMetric — Independent clinical trial intelligence platform. Not affiliated with NIH, ClinicalTrials.gov, the U.S. FDA, or any pharmaceutical company, hospital, or clinical research organization. Trial data is sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Do not make any treatment, enrollment, or health decisions based solely on information found here — always consult a qualified healthcare professional. Full Disclaimer  ·  Last Reviewed: July 2026  ·  Data Methodology