New MRI method may end guesswork for brain tumor patients after radiation

NCT ID NCT04033497

Recruiting now Diagnosis Sponsor: Brigham and Women's Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests a special MRI technique to help doctors tell whether an enlarged spot in the brain after radiation is the tumor growing back or harmless scar tissue from the radiation. About 100 adults with brain metastases who had radiation will get this MRI before any surgery. The results will be checked against the actual tissue to see how accurate the MRI is.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: MRI scan
What this could lead to: If successful, this MRI method could help doctors accurately tell tumor regrowth from radiation scarring without needing a biopsy.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early study (101 people) testing a new imaging technique. It may not prove accurate enough to replace standard diagnosis, and results may not apply to all patients.

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 brain neoplasm metastatic malignant neoplasm in the brain

As listed by the trial registrant

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

BRAIN TUMOR

Contacts and locations

Locations

Brigham and Women's Hospital
RECRUITING

Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States
Dana Farber Cancer Institute
RECRUITING

Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States

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