Timing of brain radiation may improve cancer control

NCT ID NCT03741673

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Aug 11, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This phase III trial tests whether giving focused radiation before surgery for brain metastases works better than giving it after surgery. The study involves 180 patients with cancer that has spread to the brain. Researchers will compare how well each approach controls the disease and reduces the chance of cancer spreading in the brain lining.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: stereotactic radiosurgery (focused radiation)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could establish the best timing for radiation to control brain metastases and reduce the risk of cancer spreading in the brain lining.
What could go wrong: This is a phase III trial, but results may not apply to all patients. The study is still recruiting, and the outcomes are about disease control, not a cure.

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 cancer metastatic malignant neoplasm in the brain neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

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

MALIGNANT NEOPLASM METASTATIC MALIGNANT NEOPLASM IN THE BRAIN

Contacts and locations

Locations

M D Anderson Cancer Center

Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

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