Efficacy Study of Oral Arginine to Improve Immune Function in Glioblastoma Multiforme

The purpose of this study is to learn more about the ability of a substance called arginine to improve the functioning of the immune system in people with a certain type of brain tumor. This could lead to improvements in a type of treatment for brain tumors called immunotherapy. The immune system includes organs, cells, and substances in the body that fight infection and disease. Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that uses the immune system as a tool to seek out and destroy abnormal cells. Immunotherapy requires that the immune system be working properly. Arginine is a normal component of protein (an amino acid) that we all consume in foods such as red meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products and that our bodies can make. Arginine helps the immune system function normally. Recent research has shown that certain types of brain tumors decrease the amount of arginine in the body leading to impaired immune system function. This may interfere with the ability of immunotherapy to fight abnormal cells. We would like to see if giving people with brain tumors arginine in powder form will make their immune systems work better.


Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 18 and above.
2. Imaging consistent with GBM without clinical indication for primary CNS lymphoma or abscess, as determined by the treating physician.
3. Patient must be planned to proceed to definitive surgery intended for tumor resection, rather than needle biopsy, within a reasonable time frame from initial evaluation (7-14 days).
4. Patient must be neurologically stable, allowing for reasonable time frame between initial evaluation and subsequent surgical procedure (7-14 days).
5. Patient must have initial KPS greater than 80.
6. At the time of initial evaluation the patient must be on a stable dose of steroid medication if indicated.
7. Patient must have laboratory values, as determined by institutional controls, within the following parameters:

   * White blood cell count above lowest level for normal range
   * Renal function within normal limits (creatinine, BUN)
   * Liver function within normal limits (AST/ALT, total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase)
8. Written informed consent is obtained prior to initiation of study procedures.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Known autoimmune condition, underlying immune disease, or use of immunomodulatory prescription drugs (aside from steroids) for any medical condition.
2. Prescribed vasodilator medications: Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors: Sildenafil (Viagra), Nitrates, Alpha blockers: Terazosin (Hytrin), doxazosin (Cardura), alfuzosin (Uroxatral), tamsulosin (Flomax), and prazosin (Minipress).
3. Glaucoma
4. Known Herpes simplex virus (i.e. cold sores)
5. History of myocardial infarction or coronary artery disease.
6. Known allergy or intolerance to arginine.
7. Uncontrolled or poorly controlled seizures.
8. KPS less than 80.
9. Known renal or hepatic insufficiency or failure.
10. Known deficiency or dysfunction of intestinal absorption or motility.
11. History of other malignancy regardless of current status or treatment.
12. Underlying psychiatric condition or altered mental status that would violate stringent acquisition of informed consent or potentially preclude, in the opinion of the investigator, compliance with study requirements
13. Pregnancy