Impact of Hippocampal Avoidance During Whole Brain Radiotherapy on Cognitive Function

A Prospective Study of the Impact of Hippocampal Avoidance During Whole Brain Radiotherapy on Neurocognitive Function Decline

Not applicable Interventional Chang Gung Memorial Hospital · NCT02504788

This study is testing whether a special type of brain radiation that avoids the hippocampus can help people with brain tumors keep their thinking skills better than regular radiation.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 84 Years
SexAll
SponsorChang Gung Memorial Hospital Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Taoyuan)
Trial IDNCT02504788 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of hippocampal-sparing whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) on neurocognitive function decline in patients with brain metastases. It aims to determine whether avoiding radiation exposure to the hippocampus can mitigate cognitive decline associated with WBRT. Patients with confirmed non-hematopoietic malignancies and limited brain metastases will be treated with this specialized radiotherapy approach. The study will assess cognitive outcomes compared to traditional WBRT methods.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients with non-hematopoietic malignancies and limited brain metastases who are referred for WBRT.

Not a fit: Patients with metastases located near the hippocampus or those with a history of prior brain radiotherapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help preserve cognitive function in patients undergoing treatment for brain metastases.

How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing research in hippocampal-sparing techniques, this specific approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with pathologically-confirmed non-hematopoietic malignancy who are referred for therapeutic or prophylactic WBRT
* Good performance status no worse than Eastern Cooperative Group (ECOG) of 2 or a general status of Karnofsky Score (KPS) at least 70 %
* The number and extent of brain metastatic lesions should be no more than three metastatic foci with a greatest diameter no more than 4 cm

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with MRI-identified metastasis within 5 mm perihippocampally
* Clinical suspicion of leptomeningeal spreading
* History of prior radiotherapy including stereotactic radiosurgery delivered to brain/head region for any reasons

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 Brain MetastasisBrain MetastasesWhole Brain RadiotherapyNeurocognitive FunctionsHippocampusHippocampus Sparing during Whole Brain Radiotherapy
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.