Spinal fluid injection shows promise for breast cancer brain spread

NCT ID NCT01373710

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested a new way to give the drug trastuzumab (Herceptin) to women with HER2-positive breast cancer that had spread to the lining of the brain. Instead of through a vein, the drug was injected directly into the spinal fluid via a lumbar puncture or a special reservoir. The goal was to find a safe dose and see if it could control the cancer in the brain. The trial enrolled 34 participants and looked at side effects and how long the cancer stayed stable.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

trastuzumab (Herceptin) injected into the spinal fluid

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a way to treat breast cancer that has spread to the lining of the brain, potentially slowing the disease and improving symptoms.

What could go wrong

This is an early-phase trial with only 34 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The treatment involves direct spinal injections, which carries risks like infection or nerve damage, and it may not control the cancer long-term.

Disclaimer Read more

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.

breast cancer breast carcinoma breast neoplasm Meningeal Carcinomatosis neoplastic meningitis

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • CHU Grenoble

    Grenoble, 38700, France

  • François Baclesse Center

    Caen, Calvados, 14076, France

  • Institut Bergonié

    Bordeaux, 33076, France

  • Institut Curie - Claudius Regaud Hospital

    Paris, Île-de-France Region, 75248, France

  • Institut Univesitaire du Cancer de Toulouse

    Toulouse, 31100, France

  • Institut du Cancer de Montpellier

    Montpellier, 34298, France

  • Léon Bérard Center

    Lyon, Rhone, 69373, France

  • Oscar Lambret Center

    Lille, Nord, 59020, France

  • Pitie Salpetriere Hospital

    Paris, Île-de-France Region, 75651, France

  • Rene Huguenin Hospital

    Saint-Cloud, Haut de Seine, 92210, France