Tiny trial tests triple threat against brain tumors from kidney cancer

NCT ID NCT06132945

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This early-phase study tests whether combining two cancer drugs (cabozantinib and nivolumab) with precise radiation is safe for people with kidney cancer that has spread to the brain. Only 2 participants were enrolled, and the main goal is to see if they can tolerate the treatment without serious brain-related side effects over 56 days. The researchers also track quality of life and tumor response.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: cabozantinib (a targeted cancer drug) and nivolumab (an immunotherapy drug) combined with stereotactic radiosurgery (precise radiation)
What this could lead to: If this combination proves safe, it could point toward a new treatment option for kidney cancer that has spread to the brain.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, tiny Phase 1 trial with only 2 participants, so results may not apply to others. The main goal is just safety, not effectiveness, and there are risks of serious side effects from the drugs and radiation.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

brain cancer metastatic malignant neoplasm in the brain renal cell carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

BRAIN METASTASES METASTATIC RENAL CELL CARCINOMA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Memorial Sloan Kettering Basking Ridge (All Protocol Activities)

Basking Ridge, New Jersey, 07920, United States
Memorial Sloan Kettering Bergen (All Protocol Activities)

Montvale, New Jersey, 07645, United States
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (All Protocol Activities)

New York, New York, 10065, United States
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Suffolk - Commack (All Protocol Activities)

Commack, New York, 11725, United States
Memorial Sloan Kettering Monmouth (All Protocol Activities)

Middletown, New Jersey, 07748, United States
Memorial Sloan Kettering Nassau (All Protocol Activities)

Uniondale, New York, 11553, United States
Memorial Sloan Kettering Westchester (All Protocol Activities)

Harrison, New York, 10604, United States

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