Comparing single and fractionated stereotactic radiosurgery for brain metastases treatment

Phase IIR Trial of Single Fraction Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) Compared With Fractionated SRS (FSRS) for Intact Metastatic Brain Disease (FRACTIONATE)

Phase 2 Interventional Mayo Clinic · NCT05222620

This study is testing whether a single session of targeted radiation or multiple sessions is better for treating patients with brain tumors that have spread from other cancers.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMayo Clinic Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation, immunotherapy
Locations7 sites (Scottsdale, Arizona and 6 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05222620 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This phase II trial investigates the effectiveness of single fraction stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) versus fractionated stereotactic radiosurgery (FSRS) in treating patients with metastatic brain tumors. The primary objective is to determine if FSRS leads to a higher rate of treatment failure compared to SRS, while secondary objectives include assessing overall survival, adverse events, and quality of life outcomes. Patients will be monitored for local and distant brain failure patterns and rates of radiation necrosis. The study aims to provide insights into the optimal radiation therapy approach for patients with brain metastases.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with intact brain metastases measuring between 2.0 cm and 4.0 cm from an extra-cerebral tumor site.

Not a fit: Patients with previously treated brain metastases or those with lesions outside the specified size range may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could identify the more effective treatment method for controlling brain tumors in patients with metastatic cancer, potentially improving survival and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have explored stereotactic radiosurgery techniques, but this specific comparison of single versus fractionated approaches is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age \>= 18 years old
* Presence of presumed brain metastases from an extra-cerebral tumor site (e.g. lung, breast, prostate, etc.)

  * Note: Dural based metastases (e.g. commonly seen in breast cancer) are eligible
* Size of brain metastases

  * At least one intact metastasis (not previously treated with radiosurgery) must measure \>= 2.0 cm and =\< 4.0 cm in maximal extent on the contrasted pre-treatment magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scan obtained =\< 28 days prior to registration
  * If the largest lesion measures \>= 2.0 to =\< 4.0 cm in maximal extent the patient will be randomized
* Able to undergo contrast enhanced MRI brain
* Negative urine or serum pregnancy test completed =\< 7 days prior to registration, for women of childbearing potential only
* Patient is willing and able to provide written informed consent or have a legally Authorized Representative (LAR) who is responsible for the care and well-being of the potential study participant provide consent.
* Karnofsky performance status (KPS) \>= 50
* Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance score of (PS) \>= 2
* Past radiosurgery or resection is allowed as long as no definitive evidence of progression in these locations

  * Note: Repeat radiosurgery to the same location/lesion is not allowed on this protocol

Exclusion Criteria:

* Any patient who has received previous whole brain radiation
* Any brain metastasis that is located in the brainstem measuring \>= 2.0 cm in maximal extent
* Any patient with definitive evidence of leptomeningeal metastasis (LMD)

  * NOTE: For the purposes of exclusion, LMD is a clinical diagnosis, defined as positive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytology and/or unequivocal radiologic or clinical evidence of leptomeningeal involvement. Patients with leptomeningeal symptoms in the setting of leptomeningeal enhancement by imaging (MRI) would be considered to have LMD even in the absence of positive CSF cytology, unless a parenchymal lesion can adequately explain the neurologic symptoms and/or signs. In contrast, an asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic patient with mild or nonspecific leptomeningeal enhancement (MRI) would not be considered to have LMD. In that patient, CSF sampling is not required to formally exclude LMD, but can be performed at the investigator's discretion based on level of clinical suspicion
* Any patient with an intact brain metastasis measuring \> 4.0 cm

Where this trial is running

Scottsdale, Arizona and 6 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 Metastatic Malignant Neoplasm in the BrainMetastatic Malignant Solid Neoplasm
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.