Spared brain region may shield memory during whole brain radiation
NCT ID NCT03223922
First seen Jun 30, 2026 · Last updated Jul 01, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests a modified whole brain radiation technique that avoids a specific area of the brain called the corpus callosum genu, which is important for memory and thinking. The goal is to see if this approach helps preserve cognitive function in people with brain metastases from solid tumors. Participants receive standard radiation doses, but the beam is shaped to spare that region. The study tracks changes in memory, thinking, and brain structure over 4 to 12 months.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- corpus callosum genu-sparing whole brain radiation therapy
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this approach could help preserve memory and thinking abilities in people receiving whole brain radiation for cancer that has spread to the brain.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small pilot study, so results may not apply to all patients. The radiation still targets the whole brain, and some cognitive decline or side effects may still occur.
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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40 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jul 2017
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2030
An estimate. End dates often move.
- 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 to 100 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- 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.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Histologic proof or unequivocal cytologic proof solid tumor malignancy. This may be obtained from either the primary or any metastatic site * Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) ≥24 * Age≥ 18 years * Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) ≥70 * Patient does not have metastases to the genu * Patient must be scheduled to undergo treatment with whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) to manage the brain metastases * Patients of childbearing potential (male or female) must practice adequate contraception due to possible harmful effects of radiation therapy on an unborn child * Patient must have the ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document * All patients must be informed of the investigational nature of this study and must be given written informed consent in accordance with institutional and federal guidelines * Patient must have a minimal life expectancy of at least 6 months * Patients receiving prior stereostatic radiosurgery (SRS) for brain metastases are eligible Exclusion Criteria: * Prior WBRT * MMSE\<24 * Patient has brain metastases in the genu * Patients must not have a serious medical or psychiatric illness that would, in the opinion of the treating physician prevent informed consent or completion of protocol treatment, and/or follow-up visits. * KPS\<70 * Non-native English speakers will be excluded since patients often lose their faculty with the language they acquired second before their native language is affected in the context of cognitive decline. This could adversely affect performance on verbal cognitive tasks. * Patients with absolute contraindication to MRI imaging are not eligible for the study
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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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Sibley Memorial Hospital
Washington D.C., District of Columbia, 20016, United States
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The SKCCC at Johns Hopkins
Baltimore, Maryland, 21287, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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