A platform to study brain metastases in solid tumors

A Brain Metastases Research Platform to Tackle the Challenge of CNS Metastases in Solid Tumours - BrainStorm Program

Not applicable Interventional Jules Bordet Institute · NCT04109131

This study is trying to find better treatments for patients with solid tumors that are likely to spread to the brain by collecting and analyzing their tumor samples and health data.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment600 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorJules Bordet Institute Academic / other
Locations17 sites (Anderlecht and 16 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04109131 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This initiative aims to create a multidisciplinary clinical research platform called BrainStorm, focusing on patients with newly diagnosed non-CNS metastatic solid tumors that are at high risk of developing CNS metastases. The program will build a comprehensive clinico-pathological database, including analyses of circulating tumor DNA from cerebrospinal fluid samples. By understanding the biology and epidemiology of brain metastases, the study seeks to identify new therapeutic targets and improve treatment strategies for affected patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with newly diagnosed non-CNS metastatic solid tumors or those presenting with a first CNS event.

Not a fit: Patients with primary CNS tumors or those who do not have solid tumors with a high risk of CNS metastases may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options and outcomes for patients with CNS metastases from solid tumors.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies focusing on CNS metastases, this specific multidisciplinary approach is relatively novel and aims to address gaps in current treatment strategies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age ≥ 18 years old
2. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status ≤ 2
3. Female or Male
4. Eligible for part A: Subjects (from cohorts 1 to 5) with newly diagnosed or up to 24 months from diagnosis of non-CNS metastases. Enrolment of exceptional cases surpassing 24 months from diagnosis will be allowed for up to 20% of subjects enrolled with HER2+ BC (cohort 2) and NSCLC harbouring driver mutations (cohort 3).

   Eligible for part B: Subjects (from cohorts 1 to 7) presenting with a first CNS event and not yet enrolled in the program

   Seven cohorts of subjects are defined in this prospective multicenter study:
   * Cohort 1: Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC)
   * Cohort 2: HER 2 positive breast cancer (HER2+ BC)
   * Cohort 3: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
   * Cohort 4: Small cell lung cancer (SCLC)
   * Cohort 5: Melanoma
   * Cohort 6: Other solid tumours (apart from the above mentioned subtypes
   * Cohort 7: Radiologically or cytologically confirmed leptomeningeal carcinomatosis
5. Availability of either primary and/or non-CNS metastatic archival tumour tissue is mandatory for inclusion.
6. Willingness to undergo lumbar puncture at diagnosis of CNS metastases unless medical contra-indications
7. Predicted life expectancy \> 3 months.
8. Women of childbearing potential must have a negative urine pregnancy test done within 28 days prior to enrolment
9. Effective contraception is in place for women of childbearing potential
10. Completion of all necessary screening procedures within 28 days prior to enrolment.
11. Signed Informed Consent form (ICF) obtained prior to any study related procedure.

    Inclusion criterion applicable to FRANCE only
12. Affiliated to the French Social Security System

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Pregnant and/or lactating women.
2. Previous or current malignancies of other histologies within the last 2 years, with the exception of in situ carcinoma of the cervix, and adequately treated basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma of the skin.
3. Subject with a significant medical, neuro-psychiatric, or surgical condition, currently uncontrolled by treatment, which, in the principal investigator's opinion, may interfere with completion of the study.

   Exclusion criterion applicable to FRANCE only
4. Vulnerable persons according to the article L.1121-6 of the Public Health Code, adults who are the subject of a measure of legal protection or unable to express their consent according to article L.1121-8 of the Public Health Code.

Where this trial is running

Anderlecht and 16 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions CNS Metastases
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.