Memory-sparing radiation for brain metastases in small cell lung cancer
Treatments studied
Part of Brain & nervous system, Cancer, Lungs & breathing clinical trials.
This study tests whether focusing high-dose radiation only on brain tumor spots, while avoiding the hippocampus (a brain area important for memory), helps protect memory and thinking compared with standard whole-brain radiation. It’s for people with small cell lung cancer that has spread to the brain.
Summary written for real people, not researchers, by Clin2.
Who can take part
- You are age 18 or older and have small cell lung cancer confirmed by pathology within the last 5 years (or re-confirmed recently).
- Your brain metastases are 4 cm or smaller, and they are visible on a recent MRI; tumor(s) must be at least 5 mm away from the hippocampus (unless you meet the trial’s volume rules).
- Total brain tumor volume is 30 cubic centimeters (30 cm³) or less based on your MRI (or can be eligible even if later MRI finds more tumor volume >30 cm³).
- Your day-to-day function is good enough (Karnofsky score 70 or higher), and kidney function is adequate (creatinine clearance 30 or higher).
- You can complete memory/thinking tests in English or French Canadian, and you agree to study-specific consent.
- You have no major reasons to be excluded: no prior brain radiation (including prior SRS/WBRT/PCI), no leptomeningeal spread, and you can safely have MRI with contrast.
Quick eligibility check
Answer a few plain-language questions, based on this study's own requirements, to get a preliminary sense of fit.
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