Comparing observation to upfront cranial radiation in patients with specific lung cancer and brain metastases

Observation or Upfront Cranial RT in Oncogene Driver Mutated NSCLC With Asymptomatic Brain Metastases: A Phase III Randomized Controlled Trial

Phase 3 Interventional Tata Memorial Hospital · NCT05236946

This study is testing whether giving radiation treatment right away helps people with specific lung cancer and brain metastases live longer and feel better compared to just watching and waiting.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment190 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
SponsorTata Memorial Hospital Government
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Mumbai, Maharashtra)
Trial IDNCT05236946 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This phase III clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of upfront cranial radiotherapy versus observation in patients with asymptomatic brain metastases and driver mutation-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The study aims to determine whether early treatment with stereotactic radiosurgery or whole brain radiotherapy provides any advantages over delaying treatment, especially considering the potential side effects of radiation. Participants will receive either the radiation treatment or continue with their current therapy, which may include tyrosine kinase inhibitors known for their efficacy in treating brain metastases. The trial will assess outcomes related to disease progression and overall survival.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with pathologically confirmed NSCLC, positive for EGFR or ALK mutations, and asymptomatic brain metastases.

Not a fit: Patients with brain stem metastases, prior radiation therapy to the brain, or those not suitable for TKI therapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help determine the optimal timing for cranial radiation therapy in patients with asymptomatic brain metastases, potentially improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the role of early versus delayed cranial radiation in asymptomatic brain metastases is still being explored, no randomized trials have definitively shown superiority, making this approach relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age ≥ 18 years
2. Patients with ECOG performance status of 0-2
3. Patients with pathologically proven diagnosis of NSCLC
4. Patients with positive oncogene mutation status (EGFR/ALK)
5. Patients with radiologically confirmed parenchymal brain metastases
6. Patients with asymptomatic Synchronous or Metachronous brain metastases
7. Patients willing for written informed consent and must be willing to comply with the specified follow-up schedule

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with CSF dissemination only without any parenchymal brain metastases
2. Patients with brain metastases in the brain stem
3. Patients with prior history of radiation therapy to the brain
4. Patient not suitable for TKI therapy as per the medical oncologist
5. Pregnant or lactating females

Where this trial is running

Mumbai, Maharashtra

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 Asymptomatic Brain MetastasesDriver Mutation Positive Non-small Cell Lung CancerAsymptomatic brain metastasesEGFR mutationWhole brain radiotherapyStereotactic radiosurgeryALK rearrangement
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.