Can head radiation stop lung cancer from spreading to the brain?

NCT ID NCT00006344

Terminated Prevention Sponsor: Virginia Commonwealth University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 30, 2026 · Last updated Jul 01, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study compares two different doses of radiation aimed at the head (prophylactic cranial irradiation) to see which is better at preventing brain metastases in people with small cell lung cancer. Participants had their lung cancer diagnosed within the past year and have already completed chemotherapy, with or without chest radiation. The goal is to find the safest and most effective radiation dose to stop cancer from spreading to the brain.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: radiation therapy
What this could lead to: If successful, this could establish the best radiation dose to prevent brain metastases in small cell lung cancer, improving survival without brain spread.
What could go wrong: This is a phase III trial, but it was terminated early with no results, so the optimal dose remains unknown. Radiation to the head can cause side effects like memory loss or fatigue.

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.

lung cancer lung neoplasm small cell lung carcinoma metastatic malignant neoplasm in the brain prevention target

As listed by the trial registrant

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

LUNG CANCER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Massey Cancer Center

Richmond, Virginia, 23298-0037, United States

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