NCT06638294 · Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins
Study in Patients With Breast Cancer Leptomeningeal Metastasis
(BioLept)
What this study is about
Traditional clinical trials in patients with breast cancer leptomeningeal disease (LMD) are challenging as patients often have a rapidly progressive course and prognosis is poor, making meeting standard eligibility difficult. Furthermore, there is limited information about the biology of LMD.
View original scientific description
Traditional clinical trials in patients with breast cancer leptomeningeal disease (LMD) are challenging as patients often have a rapidly progressive course and prognosis is poor, making meeting standard eligibility difficult. Furthermore, there is limited information about the biology of LMD. The investigators thus propose a study that is as inclusive as possible, which will allow the investigators to collect biospecimens and clinical outcomes to learn more about LMD biology, but still potentially provide benefit for patients, by providing patients rapid diagnostics and multi-disciplinary treatment recommendations.
Primary outcome measures
Percentage of patients who achieve goal time to treatment recommendation
Time frame: 2 years
Rapid molecular tumor board (MTB) evaluation. The investigators will measure the percentage of patients who achieve the following the goal time to treatment recommendation. The investigators goal time to treatment recommendation will be ≤7 days from enrollment, and the investigators goal time to treatment initiation ≤14 days from enrollment. There is no set goal in terms of percentage of patients achieving set timeframes as there will be a significant variability. The investigators hope to continuously refine this process to meet these ideal timeframes. The investigators will report the investigators' ability to achieve these timeframes in order to evaluate the feasibility of rapid molecular tumor board (MTB) evaluation and time to treatment in patients with breast cancer leptomeningeal disease (LMD)..
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
- Male or female, aged 18 or older
- History of breast cancer (any subtype)
- Suspected breast cancer-related leptomeningeal metastasis (i.e., by clinical signs or symptoms (i.e., peri-oral dysesthesia, unexplained new neurological symptoms in the absence of brain metastasis), radiographic, or by cerebrospinal fluid analysis), whereby patient will be treated along an leptomeningeal disease paradigm.
- Previous central nervous system metastasis (including leptomeningeal disease or brain metastasis) is eligible.
- Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score of ≤3 or Karnofsky performance status ≥60.
Exclusion criteria
- Suspected central nervous system recurrence of hematologic malignancy, lymphoma or other solid tumor
- Not eligible for treatment of leptomeningeal disease.
Where
- Washington D.C., District of Columbia
- Baltimore, Maryland
Collaborators
Avon Foundation
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 Nov 28, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations