Comparing two radiation therapies for larger brain metastases

Efficacy and Safety of Fractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy (FSRT) in Comparison to Single Session Radiosurgery in Patients With Larger Brain Metastases (2-4 cm)

PHASE3 · University of Erlangen-Nürnberg Medical School · NCT03697343

This study is testing whether a series of smaller radiation treatments or a single larger treatment works better for people with larger brain tumors and how each option affects them.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment382 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Erlangen-Nürnberg Medical School (other)
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations13 sites (Stuttgart, Baden-Wurttemberg and 12 other locations)
Trial IDNCT03697343 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This Phase III trial investigates the effectiveness and side effects of fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy versus single session radiosurgery in patients with larger brain metastases measuring 2-4 cm. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either 12 sessions of 4 Gy fractionated radiotherapy or a single session of radiosurgery with varying doses based on the size of the metastasis. The study aims to evaluate local control of the cancer and the associated side effects of each treatment approach. Randomization will be stratified by the volume of metastasis and the type of cancer histology.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 years old with a Karnofsky Performance Score greater than 50 and 1-10 cerebral metastases from solid cancers.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications for cerebral MRI or those who have had prior radiation to the treatment area may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into the most effective treatment for patients with larger brain metastases, potentially improving local control and reducing side effects.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with stereotactic radiotherapy approaches, but this specific comparison is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age \> 18 years, no upper age limit
* Karnofsky Performance Score \> 50 points
* Expected Survival \> 3 months
* 1-10 cerebral metastases of metastatic solid cancer
* Indication for local radiotherapy
* Patients must be able to understand the protocol and provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Whole Brain radiotherapy no longer than 6 weeks before the start of stereotactic radiotherapy or planned whole brain radiotherapy after stereotactic radiotherapy
* Prior irradiation of the cerebral metastasis that is to be treated in the study
* Relevant overlap of prior radiation fields with the metastasis that is to be treated in the study
* Metastasis in the brainstem
* Contraindication for cerebral MRI
* Metastasis that is to be treated in the study can't be visualized in contrast-enhanced T1 MRI sequence
* Pregnant or lactating women
* Abuse of illicit drugs, alcohol or medication
* Patient not able or willing to behave according to protocol
* Participation in another clinical trial

Where this trial is running

Stuttgart, Baden-Wurttemberg and 12 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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Cerebral Metastases of Solid Cancers

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.