Topotecan Using Convection-Enhanced Delivery (CED) in High Grade Glioma

Topotecan is a chemotherapy that is approved by the FDA to treat cancers. It is normally given by an intravenous injection, and not directly into a tumor. That is why it is considered to be an investigational drug for this study

Gadolinium DTPA is a contrast agent which will be added to topotecan to allow the investigators to observe where topotecan goes in tumors. Gadolinium DTPA is approved by the FDA for intravenous injection during an MRI scan. It is not approved by the FDA for administration directly into a tumor.

The Cleveland Multiport Catheter is a device that is not approved by the FDA and so it is classified as an investigational device. It has been designed to deliver drugs and other agents intended to treat cancers directly into the affected tissues. The Cleveland Multiport Catheter can be placed into a brain tumor only in the operating room. It is placed during an operation to perform a biopsy of brain tumors. Following the biopsy, a surgeon will place two catheters into the tumor with use of an image guided navigation system. Once each catheter has been placed, it will be secured into the scalp and the incision will be closed. The Cleveland Multiport Catheter will be left in place until the completion of the topotecan treatment.