Radiation before brain surgery shows promise in early trial
NCT ID NCT03368625
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested a new approach for people with large brain metastases (tumors that spread from other cancers). Instead of the usual surgery followed by radiation, patients received focused radiation first, then surgery. The goal was to see if this order reduces side effects and controls the tumor. The trial included 30 adults with 1 to 6 brain tumors, at least one large enough to need surgery.
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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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30 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Mar 2018
- Finished
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Oct 2025
- 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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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.
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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: * Lymphoma, small cell carcinoma, and seminoma are excluded * A lesion appropriate for resection, not previously treated with SRS. Lesions should be \> 2 cm and \< 4 cm in largest dimension, and require resection ( e.g. due to mass effect or to obtain a tissue diagnosis). Index lesions will be treated with SRS and surgery, as outlined in the treatment section of the protocol. * Seen by a neurosurgeon or radiation oncologist and judged to be appropriate for participation in this study, including the ability to tolerate NaSRS, e.g., the ability to lie flat in a stereotactic head frame. * Any unresected lesions or lesions for which there is no planned immediate resection (non index lesions) must measure \< 3.0 cm in maximal extent on the contrasted MRI or CT brain scan obtained ≤ 35 days prior to pre-registration. Unresected lesions will be treated with SRS as outlined in the treatment section of the protocol. . * ECOG ≤ 2 * MRI confirmed 1-6 lesions, one of which is the index lesion. Each non-index lesion (up to 5) must measure ≤ 3.0 cm in maximal extent on contrasted MRI scan, and not otherwise require resection. Note: The pre-registration MRI may be obtained ≤ 35 days prior to enrolment. Exclusion Criteria: * Treatment plan respecting normal tissue tolerances using dose fractionation specified within the protocol cannot be achieved. * pregnancy * Prior cranial radiotherapy targeting the index lesion, or any prior WBRT. * Inability to complete a MRI with contrast of the head, or a known allergy to gadolinium. * Cytotoxic Chemotherapy within 7 days prior to SRS (molecularly targeted therapies , including immune-modulatory drugs, can be given within seven days of SRS at the discretion of the treating physician) * Metastatic germ cell tumor, small cell carcinoma, or lymphoma or any primary brain tumor * Imaging Findings: * Widespread definitive leptomeningeal metastasis. * A brain metastasis that is located ≤ 2 mm of the optic chiasm * Evidence of midline shift * Fourth ventricular narrowing, concerning for hydrocephalus
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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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Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum
Berlin, 13353, Germany
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University Health Network
Toronto, Ontario, L4W4C2, Canada
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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