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NCT Number: NCT03759717

Molecular and Cellular Characterization of Skull Base Tumors

The purpose of the study is to analyze biological samples and genetic material for basic science research investigating the molecular and cellular characterization of skull base tumors.

Recruiting

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Key information

Conditions

Skull Base Neoplasm Bone Diseases Bone Neoplasms Cellular Pathology Musculoskeletal Diseases Neoplasms Neoplasms by Site Skull Base Neoplasms Skull Neoplasms

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Benita Valappil, MPH

CONTACT

[email protected]

412-864-1744

About this study

The overall goal of this proposal is to determine new molecular and cellular features that define tumor subtypes that are clinically actionable, may drive important changes in patient management, and/or elucidate novel chemotherapeutic options. Skull base tumors are currently diagnosed based on histopathologic criteria, on which post-operative management is based. However, the investigators hypothesize that each tumor type (eg. chordoma or chondrosarcoma) will have molecular and/or cellular subcategories that will redefine how to categorize and diagnose patients, predict clinical outcome, and optimally design a patient-specific management strategy. In addition, we aim to catalogue changes that occur after treatment after surgical resection, chemotherapy, and/or radiation by comparing primary and recurrent tumors.

Who can participate

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Diagnosis of a skull base tumor

Exclusion criteria

  • Insufficient tumor sample at time of resection

Treatment and study plan

observation

Other

Understanding the biology of skull base tumors will teach the investigators about the genesis and/or mechanisms of treatment resistance. The investigators hope to ultimately identify new targets which will add to the armamentarium by which to treat these tumors.

Primary outcomes

  1. Patient overall survival will be measured and reported.

    Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 10 years

    There will be one outcome measure: overall survival.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Benita Valappil, MPH

CONTACT

[email protected]

412-864-1744

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Pittsburgh

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2018
Primary completion
2028
Study completion
2028
First posted
Nov 30, 2018
Registry last updated
Sep 22, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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