Spinal fluid clues could help detect breast cancer spread to the brain
NCT ID NCT03252912
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looked at spinal fluid from 51 breast cancer patients whose cancer may have spread to the lining of the brain and spinal cord (leptomeningeal metastases). Researchers compared a new blood test technique (CellSearch) with standard spinal fluid analysis to see which better detects cancer cells. The goal is to find better ways to diagnose this serious complication early.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this research could lead to better diagnostic tools for detecting breast cancer spread to the brain and spinal cord lining.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early exploratory study with only 51 participants, so findings may not apply to all patients. The biomarkers tested may not prove reliable enough for routine use.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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51 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jan 2017
- Finished
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Sep 2020
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Female participants only
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Male or female patient ≥ 18 years-old, no age limit; 2. Histologically confirmed diagnosis of BC; 3. Hormone receptors and HER2 statuses of the primary tumor available; 4. Suspected LM based on clinical symptoms or signs, or radiological abnormalities; 5. Indication of diagnosis lumbar puncture decided by the oncologist in charge of the patient; 6. Patients must be affiliated to a Social Security System; 7. Patient information and written informed consent form signed prior to any study specific procedures. Exclusion Criteria: 1. History of other cancer(s) than the BC (except completely resected non-melanoma skin cancer or successfully treated in situ carcinoma). 2. Hormone receptors and/or HER2 statuses of the primary tumor not available; 3. Patients with a medical contra-indication to the realization of a lumbar puncture; 4. Patients with psychological, family, sociological or geographical condition potentially hampering compliance with the study protocol and follow-up schedule; 5. Patients who are pregnant or breast-feeding. 6. Legal incapacity or limited legal capacity.
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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
Locations
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Institut régional du Cancer de Montpellier
Montpellier, 34298, France
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