Note: This study is currently only recruiting patients in the hospital.
If you are interested in being notified if this study begins recruiting from the general population, please use the 'I Am Interested' button below.
Does Aspirin help in the treatment of Vestibular Schwannoma/Acoustic Neuroma?
Enrollment for this study is expected to close on Thursday, December 11, 2025
Overview
What we are studying
We are studying the effects of taking daily aspirin on the growth of vestibular schwannoma. Currently there is no cure for this condition, and the only treatment options are surgery, radiation, or observation. We are enrolling patients aged 12 and up that have been diagnosed within the past 2 years or have growing tumors (at least 2mm growth in any dimension in a year). Patients with sporadic or NF2-related vestibular schwannomas can enroll. Enrolled patients are randomized 1:1 to oral aspirin twice daily or placebo twice daily.
Why it is important
In a previous retrospective study of 347 vestibular schwannoma patients seen at Mass Eye and Ear, the probability of a tumor growth in patients who took aspirin for unrelated medical reasons was about half that of patients who did not take aspirin. However, that trend was not observed in retrospective studies from other institutions. We hope to determine that aspirin does help in halting tumor growth. In this study, we a re looking to prospectively enroll 300 vestibular schwannoma patients at 6 centers nationally, including Mass Eye and Ear, Mayo Clinic, University of Utah, University of Iowa, Stanford University, and the University of Miami
What we hope to accomplish
The aim of the study is to determine whether aspirin can prevent or halt progression of vestibular schwannoma.
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Principal Investigator
Contact
Click I Am Interested "I Am Interested" "I Am Interested" to get started. If you have questions, contact:
Michael Cheung
Who can participate
Age 12+, male or female with newly diagnosed (up to 2 years) or growing (+2mm within a year) sporadic and NF2-associated vestibular schwannomas.
Who cannot participate
Patients who cannot tolerate MRI, chronic use of NSAIDS or anticoagulation agents, daily use of aspirin within the last two months, have active bleeding disease. If you've had prior treatment (radiation, avastin/bevacizumab, surgery) please let the study coordinator know.
What you may be asked to do
You will be asked for a baseline MRI and a hearing test within 3 months at the time of consent, as well as a blood draw for research and a few questionnaires. You will be given study pills (which may either be placebo or aspirin) that you will take twice a day. After the first visit, you will come back every 6 months for a follow-up, with yearly MRI's, hearing tests, research blood draws, and questionnaires. We will follow you for 3.5 years after you enroll in the study.
Project activities may include:
- Survey
- Blood draw
- Office visit
- MRI scan
- Medication
Estimated Time Commitment
9 visits over 3 years
What You May Get
There is no compensation.
Location
Mass Eye and Ear
243 Charles street, Boston, MA 02114
Travel
- Accessible by public transportation
- Parking available
Travel and Parking Details
Directions to MEE can be found here: http://www.masseyeandear.org/locations/boston/maincampus Public transportation may be the best option. MEE is a 3-minute walk from the Charles/MGH stop on the Red Line and a 15-minute walk from North Station (Commuter Rail, Orange and Green Lines).
Additional Information
Study Phase
Phase 2: This project studies whether a medication or treatment works for people with a specific disease or condition. The drug or treatment has been studied for safety in healthy volunteers, but the project will continue to look at safety and short term side effects.
Funding Source
- NIH or Other Federal