Radiosurgery vs Whole Brain Radiation for Brain Metastasis
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial compares two radiation treatments for brain tumors from non-melanoma cancers. One treatment is a focused, high-dose method, while the other treats the entire brain over several sessions. The goal is to determine which method controls tumors better and has fewer side effects on thinking and memory. The focused, high-dose method has been increasingly used over the past years as an effective treatment for brain metastases, often replacing the whole brain treatment due to its ability to improve outcomes and reduce side effects.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial protocol does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, you may need to pause anti-coagulation medications for a short time around the radiosurgery treatment. You can continue other systemic therapies like temozolomide if your oncologist agrees.
Is radiosurgery safe for treating brain metastases?
How does the treatment of radiosurgery compare to whole brain radiation for brain metastasis?
Radiosurgery (SRS) is unique because it delivers high-dose focused radiation directly to the tumor, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy brain tissue, unlike whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) which affects the entire brain. This focused approach can be beneficial for patients with fewer brain metastases, but the advantage of combining SRS with WBRT is still unclear.56789
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Radiosurgery vs Whole Brain Radiation for Brain Metastasis?
Research suggests that Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) can deliver higher radiation doses directly to brain metastases, leading to better control of the tumors compared to Whole-Brain Radiation Therapy (WBRT), which can result in diminished cognitive function and no overall survival benefit when used as an addition to SRS.1591011
Who Is on the Research Team?
Jing Li
Principal Investigator
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults with non-melanoma cancer that has spread to the brain, with 3-15 detectable lesions on MRI. Participants must have proof of malignant cancer and be able to undergo all treatments proposed. They should not have had prior brain surgery or whole-brain radiation, no melanoma or certain other cancers, and women of childbearing age must not be pregnant.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants undergo either stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) on day 1 or whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) 5 days per week for 2 weeks
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for local tumor control and cognitive decline at 1, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months post-treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Stereotactic Radiosurgery
- Whole-Brain Radiotherapy
Stereotactic Radiosurgery is already approved in European Union, United States, Canada, Japan, China, Switzerland for the following indications:
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Lead Sponsor
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Collaborator