Plain-English translation of NCT04155034 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
Phase 3 — Testing in thousands of people, comparing the treatment against what doctors currently use. This is the last big step before approval.
Small-cell lung cancer often spreads to the brain, so doctors have traditionally given patients preventive brain radiation after chemotherapy to reduce this risk. This trial is testing whether regular brain scans alone — without the radiation — can work just as well at keeping patients alive and healthy. The study will compare how well patients do with either approach over two years.
Preventive brain radiation can cause memory and thinking problems in some patients. Doctors want to know if careful monitoring with regular brain scans might be a safer option that doesn't sacrifice survival or control of the disease.
You will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will receive two weeks of preventive brain radiation (20-minute sessions five days a week) plus regular brain scans. The other group will have regular brain scans only — at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months after starting the study. Your doctor will also ask you to complete thinking and memory tests to see how your brain health is doing over time.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 17, 2026 · Not medical advice
United States