Spinal tap could predict lung cancer spread to brain
NCT ID NCT06816979
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This pilot study will check if tumor DNA in spinal fluid can predict brain metastases in 40 patients with stage III or IV non-small cell lung cancer. Participants will undergo a lumbar puncture to collect cerebrospinal fluid, plus blood draws and an MRI six months later. The goal is to see if this approach can become a standard screening tool.
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 could lead to a new screening tool to predict brain metastases in lung cancer patients, improving early detection.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early pilot study with only 40 participants, so results may not apply broadly. Lumbar puncture carries risks like headache or infection.
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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About 40 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Sep 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Jan 2028
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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Children (under 18), adults (18 to 64) and older adults (65 and over)
- 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: * New histological diagnosis of stage III or IV NSCLC * For stage III/IV NSCLC patients without brain metastases, a documented mutation on lung cancer mutation panel (PULMOL) is required * Patient treated with radiation therapy and/or systemic therapy at Ohio State University * Estimated survival \>= 1 year * No medical contraindication to lumbar puncture Exclusion Criteria: * Patient has Alzheimer's, dementia, or mental disability * Patient is not able to receive MRI * Patient has allergy to xylocaine or any numbing medication for lumbar puncture * Previous cancer history prior to diagnosis of NSCLC * Pregnant or lactating women, or women of childbearing potential and men who are sexually active and not willing/able to use medically acceptable forms of contraception; this exclusion is necessary because the medication and radiation required for standard of care treatment has unknown effects on the unborn fetus
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The study's own enquiry address
This study publishes an address for enquiries. See it below .
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
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Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Study contacts
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Contact
Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
Columbus, Ohio, 43210, United States
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