Proton vs. photon: which radiation works better for leptomeningeal metastases?
NCT ID NCT04343573
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study compares two radiation approaches for leptomeningeal metastases, a condition where cancer spreads to the fluid and lining around the brain and spinal cord. One group receives proton craniospinal irradiation, which targets the entire brain and spine, while the other gets standard photon radiation that only treats areas causing symptoms. The goal is to see which better prevents the cancer from worsening and improves symptoms. The trial enrolled 102 patients with solid tumors.
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 (proton craniospinal irradiation or involved-field photon radiation)
What this could lead to
If proton CSI works better, it could offer a more effective way to control leptomeningeal metastases and improve symptoms for people with advanced solid tumors.
What could go wrong
This is a phase 2 trial with only 102 participants, so results are not definitive. Proton CSI may not be more effective than standard photon therapy and could have different side effects.
Disclaimer
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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.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Memorial Sloan Kettering Basking Ridge (Limited Protocol Activities)
Basking Ridge, New Jersey, 07920, United States
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Memorial Sloan Kettering Bergen (Limited Protocol Activities)
Montvale, New Jersey, 07645, United States
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Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
New York, New York, 10065, United States
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Memorial Sloan Kettering Commack (Limited Protocol Activities)
Commack, New York, 11725, United States
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Memorial Sloan Kettering Monmouth (Limitedl protocol activities)
Middletown, New Jersey, 07748, United States
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Memorial Sloan Kettering Nassau (Limited Protocol Activities)
Uniondale, New York, 11553, United States
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Memorial Sloan Kettering Westchester (Limited Protocol Activities)
Harrison, New York, 10604, United States