Connectome-Guided Versus Conventional Navigation Surgery for Brain Tumors in Critical Brain Areas Focused on Preserving Neurological Function

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying patients with brain tumors located in critical brain areas related to language, movement, or major brain networks. The study aims to find out if using connectome-guided navigation during surgery helps better preserve neurological function compared to conventional tractography-guided surgery. This is a prospective, randomized trial focusing on improving functional outcomes after tumor removal in eloquent brain regions. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two surgical planning methods. In the experimental group, surgery is guided by advanced imaging techniques, including diffusion tensor imaging and resting-state functional MRI, which reconstruct individual brain networks. This data is combined with real-time navigation and neurophysiological monitoring to guide tumor removal. The control group undergoes traditional surgery guided by standard diffusion tensor imaging tractography. Both approaches focus on removing tumors while aiming to preserve neurological function. Participants are assessed before surgery and followed up at several time points after surgerywithin 24 to 72 hours, and then at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. Evaluations include clinical exams, neurological tests, and MRI scans to measure tumor removal and functional preservation. Quality of life is also monitored using validated questionnaires. The main measure is how well neurological function is preserved six months after surgery, with additional assessments of tumor removal extent, complications, recovery time, survival, and brain network changes over time.

CONNEctome-guided Navigation for Eloquent-area Tumor Surgery Trial