Testing focused radiation after drug treatment for cancer that spread to the brain
Original title: EXCLAIM: Exploring Combined Local and Systemic Approaches In Brain Metastasis: a Multi-cohort Randomized Phase II Study Evaluating Initial Response to Systemic Therapy and Subsequent Integration of Stereotactic Radiosurgery in Patients With Low-risk Brain Metastases and Central Nervous System-active
How far along is this research?
This is a trial that is enrolling or has been updated. It is not a finding yet.
This is a middle stage trial, so it is still being tested in people.
Status: Recruiting. It is looking for patients now. Talk to your care team about whether it fits you.
The trial team last updated this record on . Always check the trial page for the latest.
The short version
This trial tests adding focused radiation to brain tumors after drug treatment.
Who this trial is for. This trial is for people who have cancer that spread to the brain. It tests focused radiation, called stereotactic radiosurgery: Radiation aimed at a small target, in one visit or a few. There is no cutting, despite the name. See the glossary, given after drug treatment that travels through the body.
Where it stands. The trial is measuring how well the disease in the brain stays under control. Some people get radiation to all the spots that did not respond to the drug treatment. Others get radiation only to the spots that are getting worse. The trial has not reported results.
What this means, and what it doesn't
What it could mean: Focused radiation after drug treatment is still being tested for brain metastases. No one knows yet if it controls the disease better. Someone who fits this trial could ask their care team about it.
What it doesn't mean: This does not mean focused radiation is a proven treatment in this setting. A trial is a test, not care that is known to work. Being in a trial is not a guarantee that it will help you. It is not a promise of a cure.
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov, October 6, 2026 · Read the original
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