Proton vs. photon: which radiation works better for leptomeningeal metastases?

NCT ID NCT04343573

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Meningeal Carcinomatosis neoplastic meningitis

As listed by the trial registrant

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

LEPTOMENINGEAL METASTASES

Contacts and locations

Locations

Memorial Sloan Kettering Basking Ridge (Limited Protocol Activities)

Basking Ridge, New Jersey, 07920, United States
Memorial Sloan Kettering Bergen (Limited Protocol Activities)

Montvale, New Jersey, 07645, United States
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

New York, New York, 10065, United States
Memorial Sloan Kettering Commack (Limited Protocol Activities)

Commack, New York, 11725, United States
Memorial Sloan Kettering Monmouth (Limitedl protocol activities)

Middletown, New Jersey, 07748, United States
Memorial Sloan Kettering Nassau (Limited Protocol Activities)

Uniondale, New York, 11553, United States
Memorial Sloan Kettering Westchester (Limited Protocol Activities)

Harrison, New York, 10604, United States

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