Scientists map brain tumor genetics using blood and spinal fluid
NCT ID NCT05848050
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study examined genetic and epigenetic changes in brain metastases from solid cancers. Researchers collected tumor tissue, blood, and spinal fluid from 21 patients during surgery to compare molecular profiles. The goal was to see if liquid biopsies could reliably reflect the genetic makeup of brain metastases, potentially reducing the need for invasive brain surgery in the future.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this research could improve how doctors detect and treat brain metastases by using blood or spinal fluid tests instead of surgery.
- What could go wrong
- This was a small, completed study with only 21 participants, so results may not apply to all patients. It was designed to gather knowledge, not to test a treatment.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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21 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jun 2023
- Finished
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Jul 2025
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Patient aged 18 or over; * Patient with cerebral metastases from a solid cancer, at least one of which is accessible to surgical excision (contrast enhancement of at least 1 cm); * Patient able to understand the information related to the study and to read the information leaflet; * Patient having signed a written informed consent to participate in the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Patient with a medical contraindication to surgery and anesthesia; * Patient whose anatomical location of the cerebral metastasis contraindicates wide resection; * Patient with a contraindication to performing a lumbar puncture; * Pregnant, parturient or breastfeeding women; * Patient participating in another clinical trial, or in a period of exclusion from another clinical trial; * Patient under guardianship or curatorship, or under a regime of deprivation of liberty; * Patient not benefiting from a social security scheme.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Hôpital Privé Clairval
Marseille, 13009, France
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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