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NCT06649058 · M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

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

What this study is about

To learn if consolidative stereotactic radiosurgery (cSRS) can help to control central nervous system (CNS) disease in patients who have brain metastases and have a significant shrinkage of disease signs or stable brain metastases after systemic therapy.

View original scientific description

To learn if consolidative stereotactic radiosurgery (cSRS) can help to control central nervous system (CNS) disease in patients who have brain metastases and have a partial response or stable brain metastases after systemic therapy. To learn if using SRS to treat all brain metastases that do not respond to systemic therapy versus treating only metastases that are getting worse can help to control CNS disease in patients whose disease gets worse after systemic therapy.

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

  • Age ≥ 18 years.
  • Evaluation by a brain metastasis multidisciplinary team (BM-MDT) consisting of a medical oncologist (can be the patient's primary medical oncologist), a radiation oncologist who regularly performs SRS, and a neurosurgeon. This evaluation can take place in clinic or during a multidisciplinary conference.
  • Life expectancy \> 6 months as estimated by BM-MDT.
  • BM-MDT agreement that the planned systemic therapy regimen may provide intracranial benefit (SD, PR, or CR in the CNS).
  • BM-MDT agreement that the patient's BM does not require immediate local therapy (surgery and/or radiation therapy); i.e. it is judged to be safe to omit local therapy as initial BM management.
  • The patient's BM are amenable to SRS as initial local therapy as determined by BM-MDT.
  • Subjects must have signed and dated an IRB/IEC approved written informed consent form in accordance with regulatory and institutional guidelines. This must be obtained before the performance of any protocol-related procedures that are not part of normal subject care.
  • Histologically confirmed metastatic cancer with at least one measurable metastasis in the brain (≥ 5 mm).
  • At least one measurable intracranial target lesion which was not previously treated with SRS. Regrowth in a cavity of previously excised lesion will not qualify as a measurable lesion. Growth or change in a lesion previously irradiated will not qualify as a measurable lesion.
  • Prior SRS and prior excision of BM is permitted if other measurable non irradiated lesions as described in #9 remain.
  • The resection cavity of excised BM must have received appropriate radiation therapy (pre or post operative SRS, brachytherapy) or have been observed for \>6 months after resection without evidence of local cavity recurrence.
  • Subjects must be free of neurologic signs and symptoms related to metastatic brain lesions either without systemic corticosteroids or requiring ≤ 2 mg dexamethasone daily for symptom resolution.
  • ECOG performance status ≤ 1.
  • Documented agreement by the patient's primary medical oncologist with the appropriateness of planned SST regimen.
  • This study will allow non-English speaking subjects to be enrolled. Verbal Translation Preparative Sheet (VTPS) will be used if a translated consent form is not available in the subject's language. The consent form will be translated into the language of the subject after 2 or more occurrences. This will apply to any MD Anderson patient.

Exclusion criteria

  • History of known leptomeningeal involvement (radiographic or cytological).
  • Small cell lung cancer, lymphoma, or leukemia histology.
  • Non-small cell lung cancer histology with targetable oncogenic driver mutation with planned initiation of highly CNS active targeted therapy (eg osimertinib, brigatinib, alectinib, or lorlatinib).
  • Subjects previously treated with WBRT.
  • Any intact BM size \> 3 cm. After surgical excision and appropriate radiation therapy to the cavity, patients may enroll if additional eligible lesions are present.
  • Prior disease progression on one or more of the agents comprising SST.
  • Exposure to one or more agents comprising SST within the last 30 days.
  • Prior unacceptable toxicity during treatment with one or more agents comprising SST.
  • Subjects with a major medical, neurologic or psychiatric condition who are judged as unable to fully comply with study therapy or assessments should not be enrolled.
  • History of a second malignancy, unless potentially curative treatment has been completed with no evidence of malignancy for 2 years. Note: The time requirement does not apply to participants who underwent successful treatment of superficial bladder cancer, in situ cervical cancer, ductal carcinoma in situ, or other in-situ cancers. Subjects with a completely treated prior malignancy and no evidence of disease for ≥ 2 years are eligible.
  • Skin Cancer Exclusion: Please note that localized cutaneous basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma is not an exclusion criterion regardless of treatment status. Biopsy proven metastatic disease from these histologies is an exclusion criterion if this constitutes a second cancer.
  • Patient weight \>450 pounds.
  • Patient had prior SRS to any intracranial lesion \<15mm from a metastasis on the screening MRI. Prior MRIs and DICOMs will be used to make this determination.
  • Patient unable to receive a brain MRI (implanted metal devices or foreign bodies) or MRI contrast.
  • Any BM with a significant hemorrhagic component (defined as MRI T1 intrinsic hyperintensity comprising ≥ 25% of maximal lesion diameter).

Where

  • Houston, Texas

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 Apr 15, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations

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What participation can include

  • Study-related care provided by the research team
  • Close monitoring by medical professionals
  • Possible compensation for time and travel*
  • The option to withdraw at any time
  • Contributing to medical research that may help future patients

*Compensation varies by study. Confirm details with coordinator.

Typical next steps

  1. 1.Submit this form
  2. 2.Phone screening
  3. 3.In-person assessment if eligible
  4. 4.Begin participation

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Looking for Brain Metastases Treatment in Houston?

Join others in Texas exploring innovative treatment options through clinical research

Brain Metastases Treatment Options in Houston, Texas

If you're searching for Brain Metastases treatment in Houston, participating in a clinical research study may provide access to innovative approaches under expert medical supervision. This study is actively recruiting participants in Houston and surrounding areas.

Clinical trials offer participants the opportunity to receive cutting-edge treatments while contributing to medical research that may help future patients with Brain Metastases. All study-related care is provided at no cost to participants.

Local Sites
1 locations in Texas
Now Enrolling
Up to 316 participants
Quick Start
Screening available now

Why Consider a Clinical Trial for Brain Metastases?

Potential Benefits

  • Access to new treatment approaches before public availability
  • Close monitoring by experienced medical professionals
  • Study-related care provided at no cost
  • Contribute to medical research for Brain Metastases

What to Expect

  • Initial screening to determine eligibility
  • Regular check-ups and monitoring visits
  • Possible compensation for time and travel
  • You can withdraw at any time

Frequently Asked Questions About This Brain Metastases Study

Important Clinical Trial Information

This information is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical trial participation involves potential risks and benefits. Eligibility requirements apply and will be assessed during the screening process.

Study identifier: NCT06649058. For complete study details, visit ClinicalTrials.gov. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making decisions about your medical care or participating in clinical research.