New study: can targeted radiation save thinking skills in patients with multiple brain tumors?

NCT ID NCT02953717

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

Summary

This study compared two types of radiation for people with 11 to 20 brain tumors that spread from other cancers. One group got Gamma Knife radiosurgery, which targets each tumor precisely. The other got whole brain radiation, which treats the entire brain. The goal was to see which approach better protects memory and thinking. 81 patients took part, and researchers measured cognitive decline three months after treatment.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Gamma Knife radiosurgery and whole brain radiation therapy

What this could lead to

If Gamma Knife causes fewer memory and thinking problems, it could become the preferred treatment for patients with multiple brain metastases.

What could go wrong

This is a small, completed study with only 81 participants. Results may not apply to all patients, and Gamma Knife may not control tumors as well as whole brain radiation.

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.

anxiety disorder brain cancer Depression Fatigue metastatic malignant neoplasm in the brain metastatic neoplasm Neoplasm Metastasis

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Gamma Knife Center Tilburg, Elisabeth-TweeSteden Hospital

    Tilburg, North Brabant, 5022 GC, Netherlands