Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Phase 3 Interventional Ages 18 to 80

Comparing two radiation therapies for brain metastases in small-cell lung cancer

Official title: SRS/SRT/Hypo-RT Versus HA-WBRT for No More Than 10 Brain Metastases in Patients With Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Prospective, Randomized, Multicenter Phase III Trial (SHARP Trial)

Run by Cancer Institute and Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences · NCT06457906 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing whether two types of targeted radiation therapy can be better options than standard whole brain radiation for people with small-cell lung cancer that has spread to the brain.

More Small Cell Lung Cancer trials

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
Enrollment340 (estimated)
SponsorCancer Institute and Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences
Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Beijing, Beijing Municipality)
StatusRecruiting
StartedSeptember 1, 2023
Main results expectedAugust 30, 2027
Study endsFebruary 28, 2028
Registry record updatedOctober 8, 2026
Trial IDNCT06457906 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include adults aged 18-80 with a confirmed diagnosis of small-cell lung cancer and no more than 10 brain metastases.

Probably not a fit

Patients with more than 10 brain metastases or those with a poor performance status 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 phase III trial evaluates the effectiveness of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and hypofractionated radiotherapy (Hypo-RT) against whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) that spares the hippocampus in patients with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) that has metastasized to the brain. The study aims to determine if SRS/SRT/Hypo-RT can serve as a standard upfront treatment for patients with no more than 10 brain metastases. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the local treatment or the hippocampus-avoiding WBRT. The trial focuses on minimizing neurological toxicity while effectively treating brain metastases.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more effective and less harmful treatment option for patients with brain metastases from small-cell lung cancer.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results with similar approaches, but this specific comparison is novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Investigators should consider these factors when selecting patients for this trial. Investigators also should consider all other relevant factors (medical and non-medical), as well as the risks and benefits of the study therapy, when deciding if a patient is an appropriate candidate for this trial.

1. Adult patients (18-80 years of age) with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0-2 or Karnofsky performance score ≥ 70, expected life time more than 6 months;
2. Pathologically (histologically or cytologically) proven diagnosis of small cell lung cancer within 5 years of registration. If the original histologic proof of malignancy is greater than 5 years, then pathological (i.e., more recent) confirmation is required (e.g., from a systemic or brain metastasis). Patients with de novo or recurrent small cell lung cancer are permitted;
3. No more than 10 metastatic brain lesions with ≤5 cm in largest diameter and ≤150 ml in treated volume, confirmed by a high-resolution (thickness ≤2mm) , 3-dimensional T1-weighted postgadolinium magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scan within 2 weeks of study initiation. All brain metastases must be outside a 5-mm margin around either hippocampus or optic pathways.
4. Not all metastatic brain lesions are recommended or suitable for surgical resection after multidisciplinary team discussion. If part of metastatic brain lesions are resected, the patient is permitted for enrollment evaluation at least two weeks after resection; 5 Patients must have the psychological ability and general health that permits completion of the study requirements, all assessment (HVLT-R, MoCA, EORTC QLQ-C30) and required follow up (at least 6 months);

6\. At least one measurable BM according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors Version 1.1 (RECIST 1.1) criteria; 7. Women of childbearing potential and men who are sexually active should be willing and able to use medically acceptable forms of contraception during treatment on this study and for up to 180 days after completion of all treatment to prevent pregnancy or fathering a child; 8. Written informed consent (must be available before enrolment in the trial).

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Clinical or radiologic evidence of new, untreated, and/or progressive brain metastases prior to registration;
2. Previous radiotherapy of the brain;
3. Patients can not tolerate immobilization or are with MRI contraindication (i.e., cardiac pacemaker, implanted defibrillator, certain cardiac valve replacements, certain metal implants);
4. Radiographic evidence of hydrocephalus or other architectural distortion of the ventricular system, leptomeningeal metastases, increased intracranial pressure requiring immediate depression surgery.
5. Patients who have not yet recovered from acute high-grade (≥Grade 3) toxicities of prior therapies according Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse EventsVersion5.0 (CTC 5.0);
6. Presence of other serious illnesses such as acute myocardial infarction, severe arrhythmia, or psychiatric disorders within the past 6 months;
7. Known carcinoma \< 5 years ago (excluding carcinoma in situ of the cervix, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma of the skin) requiring immediate treatment interfering with study therapy;
8. Pregnant or lactating women;
9. Participation in another clinical study or observation period of competing trials, respectively;

Where it's running

  • Nan Bi
    Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.