Pinpoint radiation may spare the brain in lung cancer that spreads
NCT ID NCT03391362
First seen Jul 14, 2026 · Last updated Jul 15, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether using highly focused radiation on each individual brain tumor, instead of radiating the whole brain, can control cancer spread while protecting memory and thinking. It enrolls people with small cell lung cancer who have 1 to 10 brain metastases. Researchers will track survival, quality of life, and brain function over time.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- stereotactic radiation (focused, pinpoint radiation that targets each individual tumor but not the surrounding brain)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this approach could become a standard treatment option that controls brain metastases while avoiding the memory and thinking problems often caused by whole-brain radiation.
- What could go wrong
- This is a single-arm, phase II trial with no comparison group, so results may not prove superiority over whole-brain radiation. Some patients may still experience neurologic decline or new metastases.
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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100 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Feb 2018
- Expected to finish
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Jul 2027
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 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
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: * Participants must have a biopsy-proven tumor consistent with small cell lung cancer and intracranial lesions radiographically consistent with or pathologically proven to be brain metastases. Patients who have undergone prior systemic therapy are eligible. Patients who have undergone resection of one or more brain metastases but who have not yet started adjuvant radiotherapy are eligible for the study. * 1-10 definitive intracranial lesions must be present on MRI of the brain. * Age \>=18 years at diagnosis of brain metastases. Exclusion Criteria: * Participants who have undergone prior radiation for brain metastases. * Participants who have received prophylactic cranial radiation for prevention of brain metastases * Participants who cannot receive gadolinium * Participants with stage IV-V chronic kidney disease or end stage renal disease * Participants with widespread, definitive leptomeningeal disease * Participants with a maximum tumor diameter exceeding 5 cm (if not resected) * Participants with \>6 definitive lesions consistent with brain metastases * Participants with inadequate mental capacity to complete quality of life questionnaires
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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
-
Dana Farber Cancer Institute
Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- Tiny gadolinium particles aim to make brain radiation hit harder