A Phase I Study of Convection-Enhanced Delivery of 124I-8H9 for Patients with Non-Progressive Diffuse Pontine Gliomas Previously Treated with Radiation Therapy

Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG, also known as brain stem glioma) is a cancer of the brain stem, most often in children, which is very difficult to treat successfully. Radiation treatment is usually the first form of therapy, followed by chemotherapy. While patients may respond to therapy initially, the tumor almost always returns. Unfortunately, patients invariably succumb to these tumors. Doctors are therefore seeking more effective treatments.

Researchers are conducting this study to find the highest dose of a novel therapy called ¹²⁴I-8H9 which can be given safely to children with diffuse pontine glioma who have already received radiation therapy. The therapy includes radioactive iodine attached to an antibody called 8H9 which homes in on tumor cells. When 8H9 binds to a tumor cell, the radioactive iodine can kill the cell.

¹²⁴I-8H9 is given to the patient through a technique called “convection-enhanced delivery,” in which the therapy is delivered through a small tube inserted into the tumor during a surgical procedure. The delivery of the agent is performed in the operating room only, and the catheter is removed afterward.