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Radiation Therapy

MRI Monitoring vs. Preventive Brain Radiation for Small Cell Lung Cancer

Phase 3
Recruiting
Led By Chad G Rusthoven
Research Sponsored by SWOG Cancer Research Network
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Patient must have an MRI of the brain performed within 28 days prior to registration documenting no evidence of brain metastases or leptomeningeal disease. Patient also must not have a history of brain metastases or leptomeningeal disease
Patient must have a histologically confirmed diagnosis of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC)
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up baseline to first neurocognitive failure cf or death due to any cause, assessed up to 12 months after randomization
Awards & highlights
Pivotal Trial
No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial looks at whether monitoring with MRI scans alone is as good as the combination of PCI with MRI scans for treating patients with small cell lung cancer.

Who is the study for?
This trial is for adults with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) who've responded to first-line therapy without disease progression. They must have good organ function, no metal implants or allergies that make MRI unsafe, and not be receiving treatment for other cancers. HIV-positive patients can join if treated and stable. Pregnant women are excluded, and participants must agree to use contraception.
What is being tested?
The study compares two approaches: one group will be monitored with brain MRIs alone, while the other will receive preventive brain radiation plus MRI monitoring. The goal is to see if avoiding early radiation can extend life without increasing cancer spread risks.
What are the potential side effects?
MRI scans are generally safe but may cause discomfort or anxiety in some people. Preventive cranial irradiation could lead to hair loss, skin changes on the scalp, fatigue, headaches, memory problems or cognitive decline.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
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I've had a brain MRI recently showing no brain metastases or leptomeningeal disease.
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My diagnosis is small-cell lung cancer.
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I do not have any other cancers that need treatment right now.
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I can take care of myself and am up and about more than 50% of my waking hours.
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All side effects from my previous treatments are mild now.
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It has been less than 8 weeks since my last chemotherapy session.
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I am HIV positive with a CD4 count below 200.
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I can safely receive gadolinium contrast for MRIs.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~baseline to first neurocognitive failure cf or death due to any cause, assessed up to 12 months after randomization
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and baseline to first neurocognitive failure cf or death due to any cause, assessed up to 12 months after randomization for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary study objectives
Overall survival (OS)
Secondary study objectives
Brain metastases-free survival (BMFS)
CFFS rate
Cognitive failure-free survival (CFFS)
+3 more

Side effects data

From 2022 Phase 3 trial • 53 Patients • NCT00033293
19%
87900-Vomiting(targeted toxicity)
15%
11400-Agitation
8%
58700-Nystagmus
8%
16800-Bladder infection
8%
11600-Alanine aminotransferase increased
8%
44800-Infections and infestations - Other specify
4%
69700-Rash maculo-papular(targeted toxicity)
4%
41400-Hyperglycemia(targeted toxicity)
4%
58300-Neutrophil count decreased
4%
33900-Fever
4%
33300-Febrile neutropenia
4%
20500-Catheter related infection
4%
42600-Hypoalbuminemia
4%
43100-Hypokalemia
4%
88500-White blood cell decreased
4%
41300-Hypercalcemia
4%
42700-Hypocalcemia
4%
15300-Ataxia
4%
64400-Personality change
4%
13200-Anemia
4%
57600-Nausea(targeted toxicity)
4%
13500-Anorexia
4%
15000-Aspartate aminotransferase increased
4%
25700-Diarrhea
4%
41600-Hyperkalemia
4%
41500-Hyperhidrosis
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
Study treatment Arm
Arm I (Chemotherapy, Immunoglobulin Therapy)
Arm II (Chemotherapy, Observation)

Awards & Highlights

Pivotal Trial
The final step before approval, pivotal trials feature drugs that have already shown basic safety & efficacy.
No Placebo-Only Group
All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: Arm II (MRI)Experimental Treatment1 Intervention
Patients undergo MRI scan at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months.
Group II: Arm I (PCI, MRI)Active Control2 Interventions
Patients undergo conventional or hippocampal avoidance PCI over 20 minutes 5 days per week for 2 weeks. Patients also undergo MRI scan at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months.
Treatment
First Studied
Drug Approval Stage
How many patients have taken this drug
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
2017
Completed Phase 3
~1180

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

SWOG Cancer Research NetworkLead Sponsor
398 Previous Clinical Trials
264,948 Total Patients Enrolled
National Cancer Institute (NCI)NIH
13,956 Previous Clinical Trials
41,111,440 Total Patients Enrolled
Southwest Oncology GroupLead Sponsor
388 Previous Clinical Trials
259,533 Total Patients Enrolled
Chad G RusthovenPrincipal InvestigatorSWOG Cancer Research Network

Media Library

Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation (Radiation Therapy) Clinical Trial Eligibility Overview. Trial Name: NCT04155034 — Phase 3
Small Cell Lung Cancer Research Study Groups: Arm II (MRI), Arm I (PCI, MRI)
Small Cell Lung Cancer Clinical Trial 2023: Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation Highlights & Side Effects. Trial Name: NCT04155034 — Phase 3
Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation (Radiation Therapy) 2023 Treatment Timeline for Medical Study. Trial Name: NCT04155034 — Phase 3
Small Cell Lung Cancer Patient Testimony for trial: Trial Name: NCT04155034 — Phase 3
~101 spots leftby Nov 2025