Hippocampal-sparing radiation for lung cancer patients

Neuropsychological and Oncological Outcomes After Hippocampal-Sparing Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation in Postoperative Patients With Pathologically Nodal Positive Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer - A Prospective Follow-up Study

Phase2; Phase3 Interventional Chang Gung Memorial Hospital · NCT02448992

This study tests a new type of radiation therapy for lung cancer patients to see if it can prevent brain cancer while protecting their memory.

Quick facts

PhasePhase2; Phase3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorChang Gung Memorial Hospital Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Taoyuan)
Trial IDNCT02448992 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of hippocampal-sparing prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) in patients with pathologically nodal positive non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have undergone aggressive treatment. The aim is to reduce the incidence of brain metastasis while minimizing neurocognitive decline associated with traditional whole brain radiotherapy. Participants will receive targeted radiation therapy designed to protect the hippocampus, which is crucial for memory function. The study will assess neurobehavioral outcomes and cognitive functions in these patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adult patients with NSCLC who have undergone definitive surgery and have pathologically confirmed nodal metastasis.

Not a fit: Patients with prior cranial irradiation or those with active primary cancers other than specified exceptions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the risk of brain metastasis in lung cancer patients while preserving cognitive function.

How similar studies have performed: While prophylactic cranial irradiation has been studied in various contexts, this specific hippocampal-sparing approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Clinical diagnosis of NSCLC
* Must be adult patients (≥ 18 years old) who have received definitive surgery and have a permanent pathology of nodal metastasis
* Platinum-based chemotherapy is mandatory
* Good performance status better than Eastern Cooperative Group (ECOG) of 2 or a general status of Karnofsky (KPS) \> 70 %
* Should have sufficient proficiency in Mandarin language

Exclusion Criteria:

* Have received prior cranial irradiation
* Presence of other active primary cancer (exception of basal cell carcinoma of skin and cervical carcinoma in situ)
* Radiographic evidence of brain metastasis/metastases
* Clinical evidence of extracranial metastatic disease
* Hypersensitivity to magnetic resonance (MR) contrast enhancer
* Serious medical or psychiatric illness

Where this trial is running

Taoyuan

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 Non-Small-Cell Lung CancerBrain MetastasisNeurobehavioral AssessmentsNeurocognitive FunctionsProphylactic Cranial IrradiationHippocampusHippocampal-Sparing PCI
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.