A Study Utilizing Escitalopram in Glioma Patients

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.

NCT Number	NCT03728673
Lead Sponsor	University of Nebraska
Conditions	Glioma of Brain, Glioma
Enrollment	20 participants
Start Date	2019-03-06
Primary Completion	2027-06 (estimated)
Study Completion	2029-06 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-04-17