Comparing preoperative and postoperative hypofractionated radiosurgery for large brain metastases
Official title: Phase III Randomized Trial Comparing Preoperative Hypofractionated Radiosurgery (HSRS) to Postoperative Hypofractionated Radiosurgery (HSRS) for Patients With Large Brain Metastases (= 2.1cm) Suitable for Surgical Resection
Run by Istituto Clinico Humanitas · NCT05545007 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether giving targeted radiation before or after surgery helps people with large brain tumors do better and have fewer side effects.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 146 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Istituto Clinico Humanitas Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | Radiation |
| Locations | 9 sites (Brescia, Brescia and 8 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 31, 2023 |
| Main results expected | January 2027 |
| Study ends | January 2027 |
| Registry record updated | April 30, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05545007 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old with a confirmed solid tumor malignancy and a single brain metastasis suitable for surgical resection.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with small cell lung cancer, prior whole brain radiation therapy, or those with a Karnofsky performance status below 70 may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of preoperative hypofractionated stereotactic radiosurgery (HSRS) versus postoperative HSRS in patients with large brain metastases from solid tumors that are suitable for surgical resection. The study focuses on patients with a single brain metastasis measuring at least 2.1 cm and evaluates local control rates and neurological outcomes. By investigating these two approaches, the trial seeks to determine which method provides better tumor control while minimizing neurological toxicity. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either treatment before or after their surgical procedure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment outcomes and reduced neurological side effects for patients with large brain metastases.
How similar studies have gone: Recent randomized trials have shown promising results for hypofractionated stereotactic radiosurgery, suggesting that this approach may be a valid alternative to traditional methods.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age \>18 years * Histological or cytological or radiological confirmation of solid tumor malignancy * Clinical indication for surgical resection of one brain metastasis * Karnosky performance status (KPS) ≥70 * Controlled or responsive extra cranial metastatic lesions * Limited brain metastases (1-4 BMs) * Single metastatic lesion ≥ 2.1 cm in maximum diameter (4 cm3) * Lesions ≤2 cm conditioning mass effect or neurological deficits or massive edema unresponsive to steroids * Written informed consent form Exclusion Criteria: * Prior WBRT * KPS \< 70 * Diagnosis of small cell lung cancer (SCLC), germinal cell tumour or Lymphoproliferative disease * Pregnant women * Prior open neurosurgery for malignancy * More than 4 brain metastases * Patients with incompatibility to perform MRI
Where it's running
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ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia
Brescia, Brescia, Italy Recruiting -
AOUC Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi
Florence, Florence, Italy Recruiting -
IRCCS Istituto Clinico Humanitas
Rozzano, Milano, Italy Recruiting -
Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta
Milan, Milan, Italy Recruiting -
Ospedale del Mare
Naples, Naples, Italy Recruiting -
Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli
Rome, Rome, Italy Recruiting
Show 3 more locations
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AOU Sant'Andrea
Rome, Rome, Italy Recruiting -
Azienda Ospedaliera Santa Maria di Terni
Terni, Terni, Italy Recruiting -
Policlinico Umberto I
Rome, Rome, Italy Active not recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Pierina Navarria, MD
- Email: pierina.navarria@cancercenter.humanitas.it
- Phone: +39 028224 7458
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Tarlatamab for Small Cell Lung Cancer with Brain Metastases
This phase II study tests whether tarlatamab can help adults with small cell lung cancer that has spread to the brain, by treating both systemic disease and brain tumors.
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AI-assisted diagnosis for malignant brain tumors
This project will test an AI system that uses routine preoperative MRI scans to automatically segment and classify malignant brain tumors in adults to help guide diagnosis and care.
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Same-day stereotactic radiation with reduced planning margins for growing or changing brain metastases
This trial will try to see if doing MRI planning and stereotactic radiation on the same day, with either a 0 mm or 1 mm treatment margin, helps adults with growing or unstable brain metastases stay on target and reduce side effects.
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Preventing first seizures with levetiracetam in patients with motor cortex brain metastases
This test will try giving levetiracetam to adults with motor cortex brain metastases who have never had a seizure to see if it prevents a first seizure compared with not giving the drug.
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Avoiding brain radiation when systemic therapy already targets brain metastases
This pilot trial tests whether patients with brain metastases who respond to systemic therapy can skip brain radiation.
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Using ex vivo pharmacoscopy to guide treatment for brain metastases
This project will test whether pharmacoscopy, a lab test that screens a patient's tumor cells against many drugs, can help pick effective treatments for adults having surgery for brain metastases.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.