MK-2206 for Recurrent Malignant Glioma

MK-2206 is a newly discovered drug that may slow or stop cancer growth. This drug has been used in other research studies, and information from those other research studies suggests that MK-2206 may help to slow or stop the growth of malignant gliomas. In addition, MK-2206 has the capacity to cross the blood-brain barrier. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a separation of circulating blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the central nervous system (CNS); and although it serves as a protective barrier, it can often interfere with potentially beneficial treatments reaching the brain successfully. Therefore, the investigators hope that because MK-2206 can successfully cross the blood-brain barrier, it will be more effective in patients. The purpose of this study is to see how well MK-2206 works in patients with malignant gliomas and will be conducted in two parts: Part 1 and Part 2. Part 1 of the study will investigate the effects of MK-2206 on Akt signaling in tumor tissue. Ten patients with recurrent GBM who require reoperation will receive a short pre-operative course of MK-2206. After recovery from surgery, patients will resume MK-2206 until disease progression or the development of unacceptable toxicities. Part 2 of this trial will be initiated only AFTER analysis of Part 1 data shows drug penetration into tumor tissue; if there is no significant drug penetration into the tumor and/or there is no reduction of pAkt levels, progression to Part 2 of the trial will be halted. The primary goal of Part 2 is to determine the therapeutic efficacy of MK-2206 as measured by 6-month progression-free survival (PFS6). In Part 2, 40 participants with GBM and 18 with anaplastic glioma will be treated with MK-2206 weekly at a dose selected on the basis of an ongoing phase 1 study. Treatment duration will be measured in 4-week cycles. Participants will remain on treatment until tumor progression, as long as there are no unacceptable toxicities. Responses will be assessed by clini