The LIBERTI trial is investigating a potential new treatment for radiation necrosis that could reduce or resolve its symptoms, such as severe headaches, seizures and neurological deficits.

Story by: Norton Healthcare on May 21, 2017

A new clinical trial for patients suffering from radiation necrosis is now available at two Kentucky locations. The LIBERTI trial is investigating a potential new treatment for radiation necrosis that could reduce or resolve its symptoms, such as severe headaches, seizures and neurological deficits. The study is being conducted at both Norton Brownsboro Hospital and the University of Kentucky.

Radiation necrosis results from radiotherapy or radiosurgery and has potentially long-term negative effects on the central nervous system. According to Shervin R. Dashti, M.D., Ph.D., who is leading the study, the purpose of the LIBERTI trial is to assess the efficacy of using a single-dose treatment of intra-arterial bevacizumab for radiation necrosis.

Physicians participating in the study include Dr. Dashti and Tom L. Yao, M.D., co-directors of the cerebrovascular and endovascular neurosurgery program at Norton Neuroscience Institute; and Justin F. Fraser, M.D., assistant professor of cerebrovascular, endovascular and skull base surgery and director of cerebrovascular surgery at the University of Kentucky.

Criteria to participate in the LIBERTI study include but are not limited to the following:

• Patients must have radiation necrosis based on radiographic evidence outlined in the study.

• Radiation necrosis must be symptomatic, including severe headaches, seizures and neurological deficits.

• Radiation necrosis must be refractory to steroid treatment outlined in the study.

• Patients must be age 18 or older.

For more information on the clinical trial, visit ClinicalTrials.gov. Patients interested in learning more about the trial should contact their physician.