Escitalopram in Treating Cognitive Dysfunction in Patients with Grade IV Glioma and Grade III Astrocytoma

Inclusion Criteria

• Patients with pathologically proven diagnosis of grade IV glioma and grade III astrocytoma * Exceptions allowed for patients who are diagnosed on imaging alone when all treating parties agree, or for those in whom cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has been diagnostic
• Patients planning to receive concurrent chemoradiation therapy for newly diagnosed disease
• Performance status Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) 0-2 or equivalent
• Patients must be age >= 19 years
• Life expectancy greater than 6 months
• Written informed consent to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria

• Hemifield defects (as these obscure the visual field necessary to participate in all tests)
• Inability to undergo MRI
• Severe renal impairment defined as glomerular filtration rate (GFR) < 30 mL/minute
• Screen positive for depression or anxiety
• Already taking an anti-depressant (SSRI or NSRI)
• Have problems tolerating past treatment with SSRI or NSRIs
• Pregnant and nursing women are excluded from this study. Females of childbearing potential must have a negative urine pregnancy test at study enrollment. * Note: Female patients of childbearing potential must be willing to use two adequate barrier forms of contraception while on study