Brain scans could spot hidden cancer spread in breast patients

NCT ID NCT04030507

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study is testing whether regular MRI scans of the brain can find cancer that has spread from the breast to the brain, even before symptoms appear. It involves 214 people with metastatic or inflammatory breast cancer. The goal is to see if early detection through screening improves quality of life and outcomes.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan

What this could lead to

If successful, this could show that routine brain MRI helps catch cancer spread early, potentially leading to better treatment timing and quality of life.

What could go wrong

This is an early-stage observational study, not a treatment trial. It may not prove that MRI screening improves survival or prevents symptoms, and false positives could cause unnecessary anxiety or procedures.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

breast cancer breast carcinoma breast neoplasm HER2 positive breast carcinoma hormone receptor-positive breast cancer inflammatory breast carcinoma triple-negative breast carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Brigham and Women's Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact