Actively Recruiting

Phase 1
Phase 2
Age: 18Years +
All Genders
ID02638701

Infliximab Therapy for Dolichoectactic Vertebrobasilar Aneurysms

Led by University of California, San Francisco · Updated on 2025-07-08

8

Participants Needed

1

Research Sites

26 weeks

Total Duration

On this page

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Dolichoectatic vertebrobasilar (DVB) aneurysms are rare brain aneurysms often large and fusiform, making traditional surgical treatments risky or ineffective. These aneurysms carry a high risk of serious complications such as subarachnoid hemorrhage, ischemic stroke, and brainstem compression, with significant neurological deficits and mortality rates noted over time. Researchers are evaluating infliximab, a tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) inhibitor, for its potential to reduce aneurysm growth and complications since this therapy has shown benefits in other vascular inflammatory conditions but has not yet been studied for brain aneurysms. Participants will receive infliximab intravenously at a dose of 3 mg/kg at weeks 0, 3, and 7, followed by doses every 8 weeks for a total treatment duration of 12 months. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will be performed at the start, 12 months, and 24 months to monitor changes in aneurysm size and blood flow characteristics. The study is sponsored by the University of California, San Francisco, and includes phase 1 and 2 evaluations. During the trial, participants will undergo regular assessments including MRI scans to measure aneurysm volume and computational fluid dynamics parameters such as flow velocity, shear stress, and oscillatory index over 12 months. Safety and adherence will be monitored throughout the study, with additional evaluations of aneurysm wall enhancement using imaging. The total participation period includes treatment and follow-up extending to at least 24 months to observe lasting effects.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

Infliximab Therapy for Dolichoectactic Vertebrobasilar Aneurysms

Who Can Participate

Age: 18Years +
All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible

You may qualify if you...

  • Vertebral and/or basilar artery dolichoectactic aneurysm not suitable for microsurgical or endovascular treatment
  • Age greater than 18 years at time of first study drug administration
Not Eligible

You will not qualify if you...

  • Use of anti-TNF or other biologic medication within the previous 12 months
  • Neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count < 1,500/microliter)
  • Thrombocytopenia (platelets < 100,000)
  • Anemia (hemoglobin < 8 g/dL)
  • Liver function tests (AST or ALT) greater than or equal to 3 times the upper limit of normal
  • Renal insufficiency (serum creatinine > 2.0 mg/dL)
  • Positive tuberculosis test without completed or ongoing treatment
  • History of tuberculosis infection without treatment or preventive therapy
  • Presence of open leg ulcers
  • Chronic or persistent infections including untreated hepatitis B, HIV, listeriosis, TB, or opportunistic infections
  • Active or severe infection requiring hospitalization or intravenous treatment within 30 days prior to randomization
  • Receipt of live vaccine within 4 weeks prior to randomization
  • History of malignancy within 5 years except treated localized cervical carcinoma in situ or non-metastatic skin carcinoma
  • Any medical condition that increases risk during study participation
  • Women of childbearing potential who are sexually active and do not agree to use contraception during the study
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women
  • Use of investigational agents within 4 weeks or 5 half-lives prior to randomization
  • History of drug or alcohol abuse within 6 months prior to randomization
  • Known allergy or hypersensitivity to any study products
  • Psychiatric disorder preventing informed consent
  • Inability or unwillingness to follow the protocol
  • Unable to undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

AI-Screening

AI-Powered Screening

Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility

1
2
3
+1

Your Study Journey

Screening

Duration - 2 to 4 weeks

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Duration - 12 months

Participants receive infliximab intravenously for their dolichoectactic vertebrobasilar aneurysms as per protocol.

Multiple infusions at weeks 0, 3, 7, and then every 8 weeks up to 12 months

Follow-up

Duration - Up to 24 months from treatment start

Participants undergo MR imaging assessments to evaluate aneurysm changes after treatment.

MR imaging at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months

Trial Site Locations

Total: 1 location

1

UCSF Medical Center

San Francisco, California, United States, 94143

Actively Recruiting

Loading map...

Research Team

D

Daniel L Cooke, MD

J

Jonathan Graf, MD

How is the study designed?

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Masking

NONE

Allocation

NA

Model

SINGLE_GROUP

Primary Purpose

TREATMENT

Number of Arms

1

Similar Trials

Efficacy and Target Engagement of a Digital Intervention to ...

Executive Dysfunction

Actively Recruiting

1 location

Frequently Asked Questions

Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support

Not the Right Trial for You?

Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Already have an account? Log in here

Published Research Related To This Trial

Enlarging vertebrobasilar nonsaccular intracranial aneurysms: frequency, predictors, and clinical outcome of growth.

Wells I Mangrum, John Huston, Michael J Link...

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15658099

Long-term anti-tumour necrosis factor therapy reverses the progression of carotid intima-media thickness in female patients with active rheumatoid arthritis.

A Ferrante, A R Giardina, F Ciccia...

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19387646

Response to anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha blockade is associated with reduction of carotid intima-media thickness in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis.

F Del Porto, B Laganà, S Lai...

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17449484

Imaging aspirin effect on macrophages in the wall of human cerebral aneurysms using ferumoxytol-enhanced MRI: preliminary results.

David M Hasan, Nohra Chalouhi, Pascal Jabbour...

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23428244