A Phase 1 / 2 Dose Escalation Study of Locally-Administered OncoGel™ in Subjects With Recurrent Glioma

OncoGel™ is a new, experimental drug delivery system that allows the slow continuous release of paclitaxel (an approved intravenous anticancer drug), from a gel (ReGel™) over a long period of time. The gel will disappear in 4 to 6 weeks as it releases the paclitaxel.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and tolerability of OncoGel when placed into the tumor resection cavity in the brain following surgical removal of the tumor. Dose escalation is conducted by gradually increasing the amount of OncoGel placed in the resection cavity in small groups of patients, and watching the patients closely for side effects before moving to the next dose level. The study will also test whether OncoGel helps to prevent or delay the tumor from regrowing.

This study is for patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme. Because most recurrences are in the area of the original resection, local delivery of a chemotherapeutic agent may prevent or delay additional recurrences. Paclitaxel has demonstrated activity against 9L glioma tumor lines, but has poor central nervous system penetration after intravenous administration. OncoGel is a new formulation of paclitaxel in a bioerodible gel that can be administered directly to the brain, thereby bypassing the blood-brain barrier.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* At least 18 to less than 70 years of age
* Radiological evidence on MRI of progressive recurrent malignant glioma that is unilateral, unifocal, supratentorial and of the minimum tumor volume as required per dose level assignment
* Tumor must have a solid contrast enhancing component
* Gross total resection \>95% of the recurrence must be planned
* Must have received prior conventional radiation therapy completed \>4 weeks before Study Day 1 (ie, day of craniotomy and OncoGel administration)
* Previous cytoreductive surgery or biopsy with pathologic diagnosis of glioblastoma multiforme
* Diagnosis of glioma at the time of debulking surgery for recurrence (by frozen section or squash preparation)
* Life expectancy \> 2 months
* KPS greater than or equal to 70
* Using appropriate birth control, if female of child-bearing potential;
* Able and willing to participate in the study by signing the informed consent document

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contrast-enhancing tumor crossing the midline
* Multifocal or non-contiguous tumor resulting in multiple resection cavities
* Evidence of tumor dissemination (ependymal, leptomeningeal)
* Tumors that result in a lobectomy or after resection leave an insufficient residual cavity to receive the expected OncoGel volume
* Expected communication between the ventricle and resection cavity that cannot be repaired
* Involvement of primary sensorimotor cortex in the dominant hemisphere or within 1.5 cm of the optic chiasm, either optic nerve or any other cranial nerve
* Significantly increased intracranial pressure
* Received any type of stereotactic radiosurgery or brachytherapy with the exception of a stereotactic radiosurgery boost as part of the initial radiation therapy
* History of seizures refractory to two or more anticonvulsant medications co-administered at therapeutic levels
* Impaired organ function as evidenced by clinically significant laboratory parameters including but not limited to the following: Hepatic Status: Bilirubin \>2.0 mg/dL; Aspartate transaminase (AST) \>2.5 times the normal limit; Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) \>2.5 times the normal limit. Hematopoietic Status: Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) \<1500mm3; Platelet count \<100,000/mm3; Hemoglobin \< 10 g/dL. Hemostatic: Prothrombin Time (PT) or INR above normal range; Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT) above normal range; Bleeding Time outside normal range (if performed by hospital). Renal Status: Serum creatinine \>2 mg/dL.
* Contraindication to MRI
* Receipt any chemotherapeutic agent within 28 days of Study Day 1 or nitrosourea within 6 weeks of Study Day 1
* Received any intracerebral investigational agent
* Receipt of another investigational drug or device within 28 days of the planned surgery
* Known history of allergy to paclitaxel or any other component of OncoGel
* Pregnant or lactating
* Concurrent life-threatening disease
* Any medical condition or other circumstance that, in the opinion of the Investigator, would make the subject unlikely or unable to successfully complete the study, or would interfere with analysis of study results