Using intraoperative radiotherapy for brain metastases treatment

Intraoperative Radiotherapy in Patients With Brain Metastases

NA · Parc de Salut Mar · NCT04847284

This study is testing if a special type of radiation given during brain surgery can help people with brain metastases do better and have fewer side effects compared to regular radiation treatments.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment25 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorParc de Salut Mar (other)
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Barcelona)
Trial IDNCT04847284 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) in patients undergoing surgical excision of brain metastases. The approach involves administering a dose of 20 Gy of IORT during surgery, aiming to determine if it is at least as effective and safe as traditional radiation therapies. The study addresses the high local recurrence rates after surgical resection and seeks to provide a more effective treatment option that minimizes neurocognitive impairment. Participants will be monitored for outcomes related to tumor control and safety.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with newly diagnosed brain metastases that can be surgically removed.

Not a fit: Patients with multiple brain metastases or those with specific contraindications to surgery or anesthesia may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a more effective and convenient option for patients with brain metastases, potentially reducing recurrence rates.

How similar studies have performed: While the efficacy of intraoperative radiotherapy is being explored, this specific approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 18 years
* Karnofsky Performance Status ≥ 70
* Newly diagnosed cerebral or cerebellar lesion (contrast enhancing on a T1-weighted MRI scan) amenable to total resection with no dural attachment
* Frozen section confirming a metastasis of an extracranial ( Central Nervous System i.e. non-CNS) tumor
* Adequate distance to optic nerve(s), chiasm and brainstem (organs at risk for radiotherapy)
* Adequate birth control

Exclusion Criteria:

* Leptomeningeal spread and dural attachment (assessed pre- and intraoperatively)
* Frozen section reveals primary CNS tumor, lymphoma, SCLC (Small-cell lung cancer) or germinoma
* More than one brain metastasis
* Psychiatric or social condition potentially interfering with compliance
* Contraindication against anesthesia, surgery, MRI and/or contrast agents
* Pregnant or breast-feeding women

Where this trial is running

Barcelona

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: Brain Metastases, Brain metastases, Intraoperative radiotherapy, Intrabeam

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.