Using MRI to Improve Detection of Tumor Recurrence After Brain Treatment

Diagnostic Accuracy of Delayed MRI Contrast Enhancement Characteristics and Radiation Necrosis Following Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) for Brain Metastases

Not applicable Interventional Duke University · NCT04246879

This study is testing if a new type of MRI can help doctors tell the difference between damage from radiation and tumor recurrence in adults with brain metastases who have had previous treatment.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment37 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorDuke University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Durham, North Carolina)
Trial IDNCT04246879 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate whether an additional MRI sequence can enhance the differentiation between radiation-induced damage and tumor recurrence in patients with brain metastases who have undergone stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). Participants will include adults with metastatic solid tumors who have experienced radiographic progression at previously treated SRS sites. The study will involve administering MRI scans to assess the effectiveness of this new imaging approach. The goal is to improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning for these patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with metastatic solid tumors and at least one brain metastasis previously treated with SRS.

Not a fit: Patients with small cell lung cancer or those deemed poor surgical candidates may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate detection of tumor recurrence, allowing for timely and appropriate treatment interventions.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using advanced MRI techniques is promising, the specific application in this context is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult patients, age ≥18
* Metastatic malignancy with at least 1 brain metastasis previously treated with SRS
* Patients may have also received whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) for management of brain metastatic disease but this is not required for study participation
* Patients must have been diagnosed with a metastatic solid tumor of any histological type except small cell lung cancer (SCLC), or lymphoma.
* Radiographic progression on post-SRS imaging at previously treated SRS site(s)
* Must be a candidate for brain surgery as determined by treating neurosurgeon and/or anesthesia team
* Patients must sign study-specific informed consent prior to study entry

Exclusion Criteria:

* Poor surgical candidate as determined by treating neurosurgeon and/or anesthesia team
* Unable to undergo contrasted MRI (e.g. incompatible medical device, inadequate renal function per standard institutional clinical protocol, contrast allergy)
* Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) or lymphoma histology

Where this trial is running

Durham, North Carolina

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 MetastasesLaser Interstitial Thermal TherapyStereotactic radiosurgeryMagnetic resonance image
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.