NCT05317858 · InSightec
Blood-brain Barrier (BBB) Opening Using Exablate Focused Ultrasound With Standard of Care Treatment of NSCLC Brain Mets
(LIMITLESS)
What this study is about
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of targeted blood brain barrier opening with Exablate Model 4000 Type 2.0/2.1 for the treatment of NSCLC brain metastases in patients who are undergoing planned FDA approved, on-label systemic therapy utilizing immune checkpoint inhibitors.
View original scientific description
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of targeted blood brain barrier opening with Exablate Model 4000 Type 2.0/2.1 for the treatment of NSCLC brain metastases in patients who are undergoing planned FDA approved, on-label systemic therapy utilizing immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Interventions
DEVICE
Blood Brain Barrier Opening - Oncology
BBB opening via Exablate Type 2 system with microbubble resonators on the day of ICI infusion to treat brain metastases.
DRUG
Pembrolizumab
Pembrolizumab infusion
DRUG
Atezolizumab
Atezolizumab infusion
DRUG
Cemiplimab
Cemiplimab infusion
DRUG
Nivolumab
Nivolumab infusion
DRUG
Iptilimumab
Iptilimumab infusion
Primary outcome measures
Adverse events
Time frame: up to 6 months
Adverse events \[ Time Frame: Through study completion, up to 6 months\]. All adverse events and/or Serious Adverse Events will be documented and reported according to CTCAE criteria.
tumor lesion(s) on the MRI images
Time frame: up to 6 months
Efficacy will be determined by the response of the tumor lesion(s) compared to baseline. Tumor lesions on the MRI images (units: mm) will be measured every three weeks up to six months.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Participant is ≥ 18 years of age
- The participant provides written informed consent for the trial
- Participant is willing to comply with all study procedures for the duration of the study
- Participant has a Karnofsky Performance Status ≥ 70% and/or ECOG 0-2
- Participant is a NSCLC subject prescribed immune checkpoint inhibitor systemic therapy according to on-label use with the target brain lesion(s) measuring ≥ 0.5 cm in longest diameter. Target mets may include: De novo mets for which surgery and radiation can be deferred, Mets with or without history of prior radiation, Mets with history of radiation after at least 8 weeks since last radiation treatment, and In the event a previously treated met has progressed according to institutional practice within 4 weeks post radiation treatment, the met may be study eligible, and/or if in the opinion of the Investigator, the subject may benefit from the study procedure.
- Female subject is not planning pregnancy during the study duration and confirmed NOT PREGNANT each procedure day.
- Screening/Baseline laboratory values Screening/Baseline should adhere to local standard of care lab values for ICI therapy
Exclusion criteria
- Participant has evidence of acute intracranial hemorrhage
- Participant at risk for spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage (e.g., history of metastatic melanoma or other tissue histology).
- Participant has signs and symptoms of increased intracranial pressure or symptomatic mass effect, midline shift or evidence of subfalcine, uncal or tonsillar herniation.
- Participant receiving Bevacizumab (Avastin) therapy, or other drugs with a proclivity for causing bleeding.
- History of bleeding disorders or tissue pathologies which increase the subject's risk of hemorrhage for anticoagulation medications, implement pre-surgical standard procedure to avoid increased risk of a bleeding event.
- Participant has an infectious viral infection such as active Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C or detectable HIV viral load or participants with active bacterial infection such as TB (Bacillus tuberculosis) that may, in the opinion of the investigator, interfere with the subject receiving the study therapy or procedures or otherwise impact their participation in the trial.
- Subjects with evidence of cranial or systemic infection.
- Participant has received a solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplant.
- Participant has received a live vaccine within 28 days prior to the first on-study ICI infusion with or without Exablate.
- Known sensitivity to DEFINITY® ultrasound contrast agent or hypersensitivity to perflutren microsphere or its components, e.g., polyethylene glycol, as found in MiraLAX and bowel prep products.
- Contraindications to MRI and gadolinium-DTPA including non-MRI-compatible implanted devices, severe claustrophobia, unable to lie supine in MRI.
- Subjects with significant liver dysfunction, (cirrhosis, hemochromatosis, severe alcohol abuse, or active hepatitis (autoimmune or infectious))
- Has a diagnosis of immunodeficiency or is receiving chronic systemic steroid therapy (in dosing exceeding 10 mg daily of prednisone equivalent) or any other form of immunosuppressive therapy within 7 days prior to the first on-study ICI infusion with or without Exablate. Note: prophylactic steroid use for ICI and chemotherapy infusion per institutional practice is allowed per protocol.
- Has a known additional malignancy that requires active treatment that would interfere with study procedures.
- Known presence of leptomeningeal disease.
- Has a diagnosis of active autoimmune disease (e.g., autoimmune Hepatitis, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, etc.) requiring systemic treatment in the past 2 years (i.e., with use of disease modifying agents, corticosteroids, or immunosuppressive drugs). Replacement therapy (e.g., thyroxine, insulin, or physiologic corticosteroid replacement therapy for adrenal or pituitary insufficiency, etc.) is not considered a form of systemic treatment. History of (non-infectious) pneumonitis that requires steroids or has current pneumonitis
- Has a history or current evidence of any condition, therapy, or laboratory abnormality that might confound the results of the study, interfere with the subject's participation for the full duration of the study, or is not in the best interest of the subject to participate, in the opinion of the treating investigator.
- Subject is currently enrolled in another intervention based clinical trial
Where
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Newport Beach, California
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Miami, Florida
- Tampa, Florida
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Durham, North Carolina
- Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- Portland, Oregon
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Providence, Rhode Island
- Richmond, Virginia
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Oct 13, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations