"Hypericin (VIMRxyn®) in the Treatment of Recurrent Malignant Gliomas"

This protocol utilizes a pure synthetic form of hypericin, originally derived from St. John's Wort.

Patients with recurrent malignant gliomas are eligible for entry. Patients receive an escalating dose until therapeutic blood levels are achieved and the drug is given for three months. If tumor control is identified, then the drug may continued for up to a year. The drug is given orally once a day and the only significant side effect is photosensitivity (sunburn-like response) that can be minimized by protective clothing. In lower doses, the natural form is widely used as an anti-depressant (see the transcript from the June 27,1997 20/20 episode by accessing their website and select "Nature's Rx"

Patients under age 18 and over the age of 70 are excluded.