Spinal fluid clues could help detect breast cancer spread to the brain
NCT ID NCT03252912
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looked at spinal fluid from 51 breast cancer patients whose cancer may have spread to the lining of the brain and spinal cord (leptomeningeal metastases). Researchers compared a new blood test technique (CellSearch) with standard spinal fluid analysis to see which better detects cancer cells. The goal is to find better ways to diagnose this serious complication early.
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 lead to better diagnostic tools for detecting breast cancer spread to the brain and spinal cord lining.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early exploratory study with only 51 participants, so findings may not apply to all patients. The biomarkers tested may not prove reliable enough for routine use.
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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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Institut régional du Cancer de Montpellier
Montpellier, 34298, France
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