Clinical trial Recruiting at 3 sites Interventional Ages 18 and up

Screening MRI for brain disease in advanced lung cancer patients

Official title: ValUe of Screening MRI Brain in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Stage IV Non-oncogene Addicted Non-small Cell Lung CANcer - The VULCAN Trial

Run by University Medical Center Groningen · NCT05864794 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests whether MRI scans of the brain can help find hidden brain cancer in patients with advanced lung cancer who don’t have any symptoms.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment100 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity Medical Center Groningen
Academic / other
Locations3 sites (Groningen, Provincie Groningen and 2 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMay 13, 2024
Main results expectedDecember 31, 2028
Study endsDecember 31, 2028
Registry record updatedJune 9, 2026
Trial IDNCT05864794 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are patients with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer who are asymptomatic and fit for systemic treatment.

Probably not a fit

Patients with prior treatment for stage IV disease or those with specific oncogenic mutations that have approved targeted therapies 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 study evaluates the value of conducting MRI scans of the brain in patients with newly diagnosed stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who are asymptomatic and fit for systemic treatment. The aim is to identify any undetected brain metastases that may influence treatment decisions. Participants will undergo an MRI to screen for brain disease, which is crucial for managing their overall treatment plan. The study focuses on patients who do not have any symptoms of brain involvement and are not candidates for curative treatment.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to earlier detection of brain metastases in lung cancer patients, potentially improving treatment outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: While similar approaches have been explored, this specific screening method for asymptomatic patients with stage IV NSCLC is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Histologically or cytologically confirmed stage IV metastatic NSCLC, not amenable to curative treatment.
* Fit for systemic treatment (PS 0-2) according to standard of care.
* No symptoms of brain disease disease assessed according to standard clinical care by the thoracic oncologist.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Prior/concomitant therapy for stage IV disease.
* Oncogenic diver mutation (e.g. EGFR, ALK, ROS1, RET, MET, and BRAF) with approved targeted treatment.
* Contraindications for MRI scan with contrast as per standard of care protocol of the institution.

Where it's running

  • University Medical Center Groningen
    Groningen, Provincie Groningen, Netherlands
    Recruiting
  • Maastricht UMC+
    Maastricht, Netherlands
    Recruiting
  • Ommelander Ziekenhuisgroep
    Scheemda, Netherlands
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

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

  • Amivantamab with platinum chemotherapy for metastatic EGFR‑mutant non‑small cell lung cancer

    This study will try giving amivantamab together with platinum chemotherapy to adults with metastatic NSCLC who have specific EGFR mutations to see how long their cancer stays controlled and how safe the treatment is.

    Recruiting at 11 sites Groupe Francais De Pneumo-Cancerologie · Aix-en-Provence and 15 other locations · NCT07563205

  • OM-RCA-01 (anti-FGFR1 antibody) for metastatic tumors that express FGFR1

    This trial will try OM-RCA-01, an IV antibody given every two weeks, in adults with metastatic cancers whose tumors test positive for FGFR1 and who have progressed after standard treatments.

    Recruiting at 4 sites Phase 1/2 Kidney Cancer Research Bureau · Kazan' and 4 other locations · NCT07292168

  • Proteomic-guided, risk-adapted therapy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer

    This trial tests whether using a proteomic test plus a toxicity risk tool to pick immune checkpoint inhibitor–based treatment can improve 12-month progression-free survival for people with previously untreated advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

    Recruiting at 4 sites Phase 2 University of California, Davis · Chico, California and 3 other locations · NCT07250477

  • First-line nivolumab plus ipilimumab with short-course chemotherapy for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer

    This project will collect real-world data to see if nivolumab plus ipilimumab combined with a short course of platinum chemotherapy works well as first-line treatment for adults with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer who do not have EGFR or ALK alterations.

    Recruiting Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo di Pavia · Pavia, Lombardy · NCT07190677

  • PF-08046054 (SGN-PDL1V) versus docetaxel for PD-L1–positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer

    This test compares PF-08046054 (SGN-PDL1V) with docetaxel for adults whose PD-L1–positive advanced NSCLC progressed after PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, platinum chemotherapy, and targeted treatments when appropriate.

    Recruiting at 454 sites Phase 3 Pfizer · Alabaster, Alabama and 468 other locations · NCT07144280

  • Cemiplimab guided by ctDNA levels (PALACE)

    This study will see if starting adults with advanced (stage IIIB/C or IV) non-small cell lung cancer and PD-L1 ≥50% on cemiplimab, then using ctDNA and early scans to decide whether to add chemotherapy, can improve overall survival.

    Recruiting at 19 sites Phase 2 Fundación GECP · Alicante, Alicante and 19 other locations · NCT06917573

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.