Post-Operative Dosing of Dexamethasone in Patients with Brain Tumors After a Craniotomy, PODS Trial
Launched by EMORY UNIVERSITY · Nov 7, 2023
Trial Information
Current as of July 27, 2025
Recruiting
Keywords
ClinConnect Summary
The PODS Trial is a clinical study looking at how to safely reduce the amount of a medication called dexamethasone that patients take after having surgery to remove a brain tumor. Dexamethasone is a type of steroid that helps reduce swelling in the brain after surgery, which can help lessen symptoms like headaches or confusion. However, taking steroids can also lead to side effects like high blood sugar and high blood pressure. This trial aims to find out if giving smaller doses of dexamethasone over time can help minimize these side effects without causing more swelling in the brain.
To participate in this trial, you need to be at least 18 years old and have a brain tumor, such as a low-grade glioma or meningioma, that has been confirmed by imaging tests. Unfortunately, not everyone can join; for example, individuals with certain hormone-related conditions, those currently taking specific immune-suppressing drugs, or those with a history of certain serious health issues may be excluded. If you qualify and choose to participate, you will receive careful monitoring during the study to ensure your safety and well-being. This trial is currently recruiting participants, and your involvement could help improve care for others undergoing similar treatments in the future.
Gender
ALL
Eligibility criteria
- Inclusion Criteria:
- • Patients with radiographic findings consistent with either HGG, LGG, Meningioma, or brain metastasis
- • Age equal to or above 18
- Exclusion Criteria:
- • Known hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction
- • Tumor causing compression of the sella or pituitary dysfunction
- • Known immunodeficiency - including but not limited to severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), lymphocytopenia
- • Taking immunosuppressive drugs - including but not limited to methotrexate, mycophenolate, rapamycin, tacrolimus, adalimumab, infliximab. Greater than two weeks of recent daily corticosteroid use or the use of corticosteroids equivalent to \> 85 mg of dexamethasone in the last month
- • Current lymphoma or leukemia
- • History of solid organ transplant
- • Minors \< 18
- • Pregnant women
- • History of cerebrovascular accident leading to neurologic deficit
About Emory University
Emory University, a leading research institution located in Atlanta, Georgia, is dedicated to advancing medical knowledge and improving patient care through innovative clinical trials. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, Emory harnesses the expertise of its renowned faculty and state-of-the-art facilities to conduct cutting-edge research across various fields, including oncology, neurology, and infectious diseases. The university's commitment to ethical research practices and patient safety ensures that all clinical trials are designed to generate valuable data that can lead to significant therapeutic advancements. By fostering partnerships with local hospitals and community organizations, Emory strives to translate research findings into real-world applications, ultimately enhancing health outcomes for diverse populations.
Contacts
Jennifer Cobb
Immunology at National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Locations
Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Patients applied
Trial Officials
Kimberly Hoang, MD
Principal Investigator
Emory University Hospital/Winship Cancer Institute
Timeline
First submit
Trial launched
Trial updated
Estimated completion
Not reported